PREPARATION OF ALUM FROM SCRAP ALUMINIUM
A CHEMISTRY PROJECT REPORT
Submitted By
SRICHARAN.M, CLASS XII
SRIMATHI SUNDARAVALLI MEMORIAL SCHOOL
CHENNAI 600 063
ABSTRACT
The preparation of alum from scrap aluminium focuses on recycling aluminium
waste to produce potassium aluminium sulphate (alum), a valuable compound
with various industrial applications. Alum is widely used in water treatment,
textile dyeing, and as a food additive. This process offers an environmentally
sustainable method for converting scrap aluminium into a useful product,
reducing waste and contributing to resource conservation. By transforming
waste aluminium into alum, the process promotes both economic and ecological
benefits, supporting sustainable practices in industrial and environmental
sectors. The reason for choosing this project is due to our curiosity on recycling
waste products into something useful. We chose this topic as it combines
environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and educational value by
repurposing waste aluminium into a useful chemical with practical applications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
[Link]. TOPIC
NUMBER
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIMENT 4
3 CONCLUSION 8
4 PRECAUTIONS 9
5 APPLICATIONS 10
6 REFERENCES 12
INTRODUCTION
Aluminium, because of its low density, high tensile strength, and resistance to
corrosion, is widely used in the manufacture of aeroplanes, automobiles, lawn
furniture, and aluminium cans. Being a good conductor of electricity, it is also
used for the transmission of electric power. In addition, aluminium is commonly
used for making household utensils due to its light weight and durability.
The recycling of aluminium cans and other aluminium products makes a very
positive contribution to conserving our natural resources. Most of the recycled
aluminium is melted and recast into other aluminium products or used in the
production of various aluminium compounds. One of the most common and
useful groups of such compounds are the alums.
Alums belong to a class of compounds known as double salts. Double salts are
crystalline substances formed when two different salts combine in a definite
proportion and crystallize together. They exist as a single compound in solid
form but dissociate completely into their constituent ions when dissolved in
water.
Page 1 of 12
Alums, in particular, are a group of double sulphates composed of two types of
metallic ions - a monovalent cation (such as potassium, sodium, or ammonium)
and a trivalent cation (such as aluminium, chromium, or iron). These
compounds share a similar crystalline structure and are generally represented by
the formula:
X2SO4.M2 (SO4)3.24H2O
X = Monovalent cation such as Na+, K+, NH4+, etc.
M = Trivalent cation such as Al+3, Cr+3, Fe+3, etc.
All alums are soluble in water and form well-defined, often transparent crystals.
The colour of the crystals varies depending on the trivalent metal ion present -
aluminium alums are colourless, chromium alums are deep purple, and ferric
alums show a light violet or pale brown appearance.
Some important alums are given below:
Potash Alum: (K2SO4.Al2 (SO4)3.24H2O)
Also called potassium aluminium sulphate, potash alum forms colourless,
transparent octahedral crystals. It is the most common and widely known type
of alum.
Soda Alum: (Na2SO4.Al2 (SO4)3.24H2O)
In this alum, sodium ions replace potassium ions. It occurs as white, water-
soluble crystals and shares a similar structure to potash alum.
Chrome Alum: (K2SO4.Cr2 (SO4)3.24H2O)
A distinctive deep violet crystalline compound, chrome alum is obtained by
substituting aluminium ions with chromium ions. It differs from the other alums
by its rich colour and slightly different crystalline appearance.
Page 2 of 12
Ferric Alum: ((NH4)2SO4.Fe2 (SO4)3.24H2O)
Ferric alum contains iron(III) ions instead of aluminium or chromium. Its
crystals are light violet to pale brown and have a slightly different hydration
number, giving it a distinct formula.
Page 3 of 12
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIMENT
AIM:
To prepare potash alum from scrap aluminium.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
250 ml conical flask, Funnel, Beaker, Water Bath.
CHEMICALS REQUIRED:
Scrap aluminium pieces, Potassium Hydroxide solution (KOH), 6 M Sulphuric
Acid (H2SO4), Ethanol.
THEORY:
Aluminium metal is treated with hot aqueous KOH solution. Aluminium
dissolves as potassium aluminate, KAl(OH)4.
2Al (s) + 2KOH (aq) + 6H2O (l) 2KAl(OH)4 (aq) + 3H2 (g)
Potassium aluminate solution on treatment with dil. Sulphuric acid first gives
precipitate Al(OH)3, which dissolves on addition of small excess of H 2SO4 and
heating.
2KOH (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) 2Al(OH)3 (s) + K2SO4 (aq) + 2H2O (l)
2Al(OH)3 (s) + 3H2SO4 (aq) Al2(SO4)3 (aq) + 6H2O (l)
Page 4 of 12
The resulting solution is concentrated to near saturation and cooled. On cooling
crystals of potash alum crystallize out.
K2SO4 (aq) + Al2(SO4)3 (aq) + 24H2O (l) K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O (s)
Calculation of Theoretical yield:
2 moles of Al reacts to produce 2 moles of Potash alum
∴ 27 g
1g 1 1
=2× 27 × 2 moles of potash alum
1
Theoretical yield = 27 × 474.38
= 0.037 × 474.38
= 17.55 g
DIAGRAM:
Page 5 of 12
Page 6 of 12
PROCEDURE:
1. Clean a small piece of scrap aluminium with steel wool and cut it into
very small pieces. Aluminium foil may be taken instead of scrap
aluminium.
2. Put the small pieces of scrap aluminium or aluminium foil (about 1.00g)
into a conical flask and add about 50 ml of 4 M KOH solution to dissolve
the aluminium. The flask may be heated gently in order to facilitate
dissolution. Since during this step hydrogen gas is evolved this step must
be done in a well-ventilated area. Continue heating until all of the
aluminium reacts. Filter the solution to remove any insoluble impurities
and reduce the volume to about 25 ml by heating.
3. Allow the filtrate to cool. Now add slowly 6 M H 2SO4 until insoluble
Al(OH)3 just forms in the solution.
4. Gently heat the mixture until the Al(OH)3 precipitate dissolves. Cool the
resulting solution in an ice-bath for about 30 minutes whereby alum
crystals should separate out. For better results the solution may be left
overnight for crystallization to continue. In case crystals do not form the
solution may be further concentrated and cooled again. In case crystals do
not form the solution may be further concentrated and cooled again.
5. Filter the crystals from the solution using vacuum pump, wash the
crystals with 50/50 ethanol-water mixture. Continue applying the vacuum
until the crystals appear dry.
6. Determine the mass of alum crystals.
Page 7 of 12
Page 8 of 12
OBSERVATIONS:
Mass of Aluminium metal = 1 g
Mass of Potash Alum = 5 g
Theoretical yield of Potash Alum = 17.55 g
Per cent yield = 28.49 %
RESULT:
Potash Alum of 28.49 % yield was prepared from Aluminium scrap.
Page 9 of 12
CONCLUSION
The experiment successfully prepared potash alum crystals, illustrating concepts
like crystallization and chemical reactions. It emphasized alum's industrial
applications and provided hands-on experience in essential laboratory
techniques.
From the conducted experiment 28.49 % of pure potash alum crystals was
obtained.
Page 10 of 12
PRECAUTIONS
1. To prevent aluminium sulphate hydrolysis, dilute sulphuric acid should
be added while making the saturated solution.
2. Do not disrupt the solution during crystallisation.
3. Always use warm water to dissolve salts.
4. The concentrated solution should be gradually chilled.
5. Do not overheat the solution while heating.
6. Work in a ventilated space to avoid gas build-up.
7. Dispose of leftover chemicals properly.
8. Keep flammable materials away from the experiment.
Page 11 of 12
APPLICATIONS
1. Water Treatment Industry
Potash alum is widely used in water purification processes.
It acts as a coagulant, binding impurities and suspended particles in water
into clumps that settle down, leaving the water clear.
This ensures safe and clean drinking water.
2. Textile Industry
Alum is a mordant used to fix dyes onto fabrics like cotton, wool, and
silk.
It enhances colour vibrancy, prevents fading, and improves dye
adherence.
It is essential in achieving durable and high-quality dyed fabrics.
3. Paper Industry
Potash alum improves paper strength and quality during production.
It is used for sizing, making paper water-resistant and better suited for
writing and printing.
This ensures smooth ink absorption without smudging.
4. Cosmetics Industry
Alum is a key ingredient in deodorants and aftershave products.
It has antibacterial properties that reduce odour-causing bacteria and
soothes skin irritation after shaving.
It is also used as a natural astringent.
Page 12 of 12
5. Medical Applications
Potash alum is used in traditional remedies for minor cuts and wounds to
stop bleeding.
Its astringent properties contract blood vessels and promote healing.
It is also used for treating canker sores and mouth ulcers.
6. Food Industry
Alum is added in small amounts as a firming agent in pickling and
canning to preserve the texture of vegetables.
It is also used in baking powder to ensure proper rising and texture in
baked goods.
7. Education and Experiments
Potash alum is commonly used in schools and labs for crystal formation
experiments.
Its ease of dissolution and ability to form clear, large crystals make it
ideal for demonstrating crystallization processes.
8. Leather Industry
Alum is used to soften animal hides in leather tanning processes.
It helps fix dyes onto leather, ensuring even colouring and enhancing the
final product's durability.
Page 13 of 12
REFERENCES
Practical Chemistry for Class XI by Laxmi Publications, 2024-25 Edition
[Link]
[Link]
potash-alum/56176248
[Link]
[Link]
aluminium-scrap-55606401/55606401
[Link]
Page 14 of 12