Aluminum Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) is one of the most versatile chemical compounds in the industry and stands out for its specific physico-chemical properties. Its characteristic layered structure makes it an indispensable material for numerous applications.

Solubility and reactive behavior: Aluminum Hydroxide is practically insoluble in water (solubility at 20°C: approximately 1.5 mg/L). However, it shows amphoteric properties and reacts with both acids and bases.

Thermal behavior: Aluminum Hydroxide starts decomposing at approximately 180-200°C, releasing water. This endothermic process is the basis of its flame retardant action.

Coefficient of thermal expansion: The coefficient of thermal expansion of Aluminum Hydroxide is 15×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ in the temperature range from 20°C to 300°C. This low expansion contributes to the thermal stability of Aluminum Hydroxide in composite materials.

Chemical resistance and inertness: Aluminum Hydroxide shows high chemical resistance in neutral and slightly alkaline environments. It is inert to many organic chemicals, making it ideal for applications in paints, coatings, and polymers.

Environmental compatibility: Aluminum Hydroxide is an eco-friendly material due to its low toxicity and biodegradability. It does not leave harmful byproducts during thermal decomposition, making it particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive applications such as flame retardants for textiles and plastics.

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Surface treatment of Aluminum Hydroxide

The surface treatment of Aluminum Hydroxide allows the formation of a hydrophobic or chemically resistant barrier. The use of surface treated Aluminum Hydroxide enables numerous advantages. These include reduced water absorption, better resistance to hot water, improved adhesion, optimized filling degrees and increased resistance to cathodic delamination.

In addition to technical advantages, there are also ecological and economic benefits due to the increased durability of materials.

Information on the production of Aluminum Hydroxide

The industrial production of Aluminum Hydroxide is achieved synthetically through chemical processing of bauxite, a rock rich in aluminum.

The process begins with the digestion of crushed bauxite. Subsequently, with the addition of seed crystals, Aluminum Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) precipitates, which, after further processing steps, presents itself in the form of pure powder. Surface modifications such as surface treatment optimize the material's properties for specific applications.

Aluminum Hydroxide particles are distinguished by their high purity and specific characteristics, such as flame retardant effect, high degree of whiteness for optically pure final products, and low abrasiveness (low hardness), making Aluminum Hydroxide ideal for sensitive applications such as textiles or coatings.

Aluminum Hydroxide is widely used in various industrial sectors such as plastics, electronics, paints, and coatings industries.

Historical context of Aluminum Hydroxide

The history and industrial importance of Aluminum Hydroxide are closely linked to the development of the Bayer process. This process was developed by Carl Josef Bayer in 1888 and forms the basis for large-scale production of Aluminum Hydroxide.

Early industrial applications focused on aluminum production. Over time, however, the potential of Aluminum Hydroxide as a flame retardant, filler, and component in paints and coatings was recognized. Technological advances in the 20th century led to improvements in production and application, particularly through increased purity and surface modifications such as surface treatment.

The discovery of the thermal decomposition of Aluminum Hydroxide and its flame retardant properties significantly expanded its use in modern industrial processes. Today, Aluminum Hydroxide is an indispensable material in high-tech and sustainable technologies.

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