Alumina hydrate is used in flame retardants ceramics water treatment and industrial manufacturing.
Alumina hydrate is a versatile, white, granular powder primarily used in ceramic glazes as a source of alumina, acting as a suspension agent that promotes glaze adhesion. It is widely used in pottery for creating matte, durable, and opaque glazes, as well as in kiln washes and wadding to prevent pottery from sticking to shelves. It offers superior suspension properties compared to calcined alumina.
Common Uses and Functions
Ceramic Glazes: Acts as a source of alumina improving glaze stability, reducing running, and creating a matte finish.
Kiln Wash and Wadding: High melting point makes it excellent for protecting kiln furniture and creating protective, non-stick wadding.
Color Enhancement: Used to enhance Chromium-Alumina (Cr-Al) pink stains in glazes.
Fining Agent: Helps remove bubbles (pinholing) in glaze melts.
Industrial: Also used in plastics and chemical applications, often as a flame retardant filler.
Key Characteristics
Suspension: Because it is hydrated, it stays in suspension better in liquid glaze slurries than calcined alumina.
Chemical Properties: It is amphoteric and relatively insoluble in water, but soluble in acids.
Safety and Handling
Health: May cause mild irritation to eyes and skin upon contact.
Risks: Chronic exposure should be avoided; it is not listed as a carcinogen but can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.
Environmental: Production, such as for the Bayer process, can lead to significant environmental waste, often referred to as red sludge.
