alumiinihydroksidi

Alumiinihydroksidi is a chemical compound with the formula Al(OH)3. It is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can react with both acids and bases. In its pure form, it is a white solid. Alumiinihydroksidi is naturally occurring as the mineral gibbsite. It is also found in other mineral forms such as bayerite, nordstrandite, and amorphous aluminum hydroxide.

Industrially, alumiinihydroksidi is primarily produced by the Bayer process, which involves treating bauxite ore with sodium hydroxide. This process yields a purified form of aluminum hydroxide, which is a precursor to aluminum oxide (alumina) and subsequently aluminum metal.

Alumiinihydroksidi has several important applications. It is widely used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. It is also a component in some laxatives. In industry, it serves as a flame retardant due to its ability to release water vapor when heated, which cools and dilutes flammable gases. Furthermore, it is used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and as a filler in plastics and rubber. Its ability to adsorb certain substances also makes it useful in water treatment.