INDEX

 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
 INTRODUCTION
 AIM OF THE PROJECT
 APPARATUS REQUIRED
 THEORY
 REACTIONS
 PROCEDURE FOLLOWED
 OBSERVATION
 CONCLUSION
 PRECAUTION
 PROOF
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Objective:

The primary objective of my investigatory project is to study about extraction of

potash alum from aluminum scrap. This involves the preparation, crystallization, and
isolation of chemical compounds, with the overarching aim of maximum efficiency.

Significance:

The significance of this project lies in its potential to create a cooperative environment
between the team members by assigning various tasks to each person and it also
helped us to understand the realistic process of preparation of a chemical compound,
in this case, potash alum.

Methodology:

To achieve the project's objectives, we planned to employ a comprehensive

methodology, including a series of chemical reactions. Rigorous data collection and
analysis were conducted to ensure the reliability and validity of the results.

Conclusion:

By pursuing this investigatory project, I deepened my understanding of double salts as

well as metal compounds and refined my laboratory skills. The resources and
academic environment at The Schram Academy proved to be an ideal setting for the
successful execution of this project.

2
INTRODUCTION
Aluminum or called alumina because of its low density, high tensile strength,
and corrosion resistance is widely used for the manufacture of airplanes,
automobiles lawn furniture as well as aluminum cans. Being a good conductor of
electricity, it is used for the transmission of electricity. Aluminum is also used for
making utensils. The recycling of aluminum cans and other aluminum products is
a very positive contribution to saving our natural resources. Most of the recycled
aluminum is melted and recast into other aluminum metal products or used in the
production of various aluminum compounds, the most common of which are the
alums. Alums are double sulfates having the general formula: -
X2SO4.M2(SO4)3.24H2O

X = Monovalent cation; M = Trivalent cation

Some important alum and their names are given below:

o K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O - Potash Alum

o NA2SO4.Al(SO4)3.24H2O - Soda Alum
o K2SO4.Cr2(SO4)3.24H2O - Chrome Alum
o (NH)2SO4.Fe2(SO4)3.24H2O - Ferric Alu

Potash alum is used in papermaking, fire extinguishers, food stuffs, and the
purification of water soda alum is used in baking powders, and chrome alum is used
in tanning leather and waterproofing fabrics.
In addition to these primary uses, alum is also used for:

o An Astringent is a substance or preparation that draws together or constricts

body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions.

3
Alum has also been used by conventional hairdressers for treating shaving cuts

4
 o A Mordant, substance used in dyeing to fix certain dyes on cloth. Either the
mordant (if it is colloidal) or a colloid produced by the mordant adheres to
the fiber, attracting and fixing the colloidal mordant dye. The insoluble,
colored precipitate that is formed is called a lake. Alum is a basic mordant
used for fixing acid dyes.

o For the removal of phosphate from natural and waste waters the
aluminum ions of alum combine with the orthophosphate around a pH of 6 to
form the solid aluminum hydroxy phosphate which is precipitated.

o For fireproofing fabrics: The major uses of alums are based on two
important properties, namely precipitation of Al(OH)3 and those related to the
acidity created by the production of hydrogen ions

+3 +
Al(H2O)6 → Al(OH)3↓ + 3H2O + 3H
+
The H ions generated are used for reacting with sodium bicarbonate to
release CO2. This property is made of baking powder and CO2 fire extinguishers

5
 +3 +
Al(H2O)6 → Al(OH)3↓ + 3H2O + 3H
+
The H ions generated are used for reacting with sodium bicarbonate to
release CO2. This property is made of baking powder and CO2 fire extinguishers.

Some characteristic properties of aluminum:

1. Abundance: Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth's
crust, making up about 8% by weight. However, it was once considered a
precious metal and more difficult to extract before modern extraction methods
were developed.
2. Extraction: The primary method for extracting aluminum is through the Bayer
process, which involves extracting alumina (aluminum oxide) from bauxite
ore and then refining it to obtain pure aluminum.
3. Properties: Aluminum has a low density, which makes it a popular material
for various applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in the
aerospace industry. It has a relatively low melting point and is a good
conductor of electricity.
4. Corrosion Resistance: One of aluminum's notable features is its corrosion
resistance. When exposed to air, a thin oxide layer forms on the surface,
protecting it from further corrosion. This property makes aluminum suitable
for outdoor applications.
5. Applications: Aluminum is used in a wide range of applications, including:
6. Transportation: Cars, airplanes, trains, and bicycles often incorporate
aluminum for its lightweight properties.
7. Packaging: Aluminum is commonly used for beverage cans and food
packaging.
8. Construction: Aluminum is used in the construction industry for windows,
doors, and structural components.
9. Electrical Conductors: Aluminum wiring and conductors are used in electrical
applications.
10.Recycling: Aluminum is highly recyclable, and recycling it requires

6
 significantly less energy compared to primary production. This makes
aluminum one of the most recycled materials globally.
11.Health Considerations: While aluminum is generally considered safe for most
uses, there have been concerns about its potential health effects, particularly
related to its presence in certain foods, antacids, and cosmetics. However, the
scientific community continues to study these concerns.
12.Alloys: Aluminum is often used in alloy form with other metals to enhance its
properties. Common aluminum alloys include those with copper, zinc,
magnesium, and silicon.
13.Overall, aluminum's combination of strength, low density, corrosion
resistance, and recyclability contributes to its widespread use in various
industries.

Usage of aluminum:
Aluminum is a versatile metal that is used in a wide range of applications due
to its unique combination of properties, including its low density, corrosion
resistance, and malleability. Some areas of its use:

Transportation:
Automobiles: Aluminum is used in the automotive industry for parts such as
engine blocks, wheels, and body panels to reduce weight and improve fuel
efficiency.
Aerospace: Aircraft and spacecraft use aluminum extensively due to its
lightweight nature. It is used in the construction of airframes, wings, and other
components.

Construction and Architecture:

Windows and Doors: Aluminum is commonly used for window frames and
door frames.
Building Facades: Aluminum panels are often used in modern architecture for
their aesthetic appeal and durability.

7
Structural Components: Aluminum is used in structural elements like beams
and columns.

Packaging:
Beverage Cans: Aluminum is widely used to produce beverage cans due to its
lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties.

Electrical Industry:
Power Lines: Aluminum conductors are used in power transmission lines.
Electronics: Aluminum is used in electronic components and wiring.

Consumer Goods:
Cookware: Pots, pans, and utensils are often made from aluminum due to its
excellent heat conductivity.
Furniture: Aluminum is used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture
because of its corrosion resistance.

Sports and Recreation:

Bicycles: Some bicycle frames are made of aluminum for its lightweight and
durable characteristics.
Sporting Equipment: Aluminum is used in the construction of equipment such
as baseball bats, golf clubs, and fishing rods.

Marine Industry:
Boats and Shipbuilding: Aluminum is used in the construction of boats and
ships due to its corrosion resistance in marine environments.

8
Packaging and Foil:
Food Packaging: Aluminum foil is widely used in food packaging due to its
ability to block light, oxygen, and moisture.
Pharmaceutical Packaging: Aluminum is used in packaging for
pharmaceutical products.

Renewable Energy:
Solar Panels: Some solar panels use aluminum frames due to their lightweight
and corrosion resistance.

Military Applications:
Military Vehicles: Aluminum is used in military vehicle construction due to
its strength-to-weight ratio.

These are just a few examples, and the use of aluminum continues to expand
into new areas as technological advancements and manufacturing processes
evolve. The metal's combination of properties makes it a valuable material in
various industries.

9
AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT
To prepare a Potash alum from aluminum scrap.

1. Potash alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate, is a chemical compound

with the molecular formula KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O. It is a hydrated double salt, meaning
it contains water molecules within its crystal structure. Potash alum is commonly
encountered as colorless, transparent crystals with an octahedral or cubic structure.

2. Aluminum scrap refers to used or discarded aluminum materials that can be

recycled for their metal content. This material may come from various sources and
typically includes items made of aluminum that have reached the end of their useful
life or are no longer needed. Aluminum is highly recyclable, and recycling scrap
aluminum helps conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and
minimize environmental impact.

APPARATUS REQUIRED
o 250ml flash
o Funnel
o Beaker
o Scrap aluminum or cola can
o Potassium hydroxide solution (KOH)
o 6M Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
o Water bath
o Ethanol

10
THEORY
Aluminum metal is treated with a hot aqueous KOH solution. Aluminum dissolves as
potassium aluminate, KAl(OH)4, salt.

 2Al(S) + 2 KOH(aq) + 6H2O(l).2KAl(OH)4(aq) + 3H2

Potassium aluminate solution on treatment with dil.Sulphuric acid first gives
precipitate Al(OH)3, which dissolves with the addition of a small excess of H2SO4
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

The resulting solution is concentrated to near saturation and cooled.

On cooling crystals of potash alum crystalize out.

 K2SO4(aq)+Al2(SO4)3(aq)+24H2O(l).K2SO4Al2(SO4)3.4H2O

REACTIONS

 2Al(s) + 2KOH (aq) + 6H2O(l) → 2KAl(OH)4 (aq) + 3H2

 K2SO4(aq) + Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 24H2O(l) →K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.

24H2O(s)

 2Al(OH)3(s) + 3 H2SO4(aq) → Al2(SO4)3(aq) +6H2O(l)

 2KOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → 2Al(OH)3(s) + K2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

 K2SO4(aq) + Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 24H2O(l) →K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O

11
PROCEDURE

o Clean a small piece of scrap aluminum with steel wool and cut it into very
small pieces. Aluminum foil may be taken instead of scrap aluminum.

o Put the small pieces of scrap aluminum or aluminum foil (about 1.00g) into
a conical flask and add about 50ml of 4M KOH solution to dissolve the
aluminum.

o The flash may be heated gently to facilitate dissolution. Since during this step
hydrogen gas is evolved this step must be done in a well-ventilated area.

o Continue heating until all the aluminum reacts

o Filter the solution to remove any insoluble impurities and reduce the
volume to about 25ml by heating.

o Allow the filtrate to cool. Now add slowly 6M H2SO4 until insoluble
Al(OH)3 just forms in the solution.

o Gently heat the mixture until the Al(OH)3 precipitate dissolves.

o Cool the resulting solution in an ice bath for about 30 minutes whereby
alum crystals should separate.

o For better results the solution may be left overnight for crystallization to
continue.
o In case crystals do not form the solution may be further concentrated and
cooled again.

o Filter the crystals from the solution using a vacuum pump, and wash the crystals
with a 50/50 ethanol-water mixture.

o Continue applying the vacuum until the crystals appear dry.

o Determine the mass of alum crystals.

12
OBSERVATIONS

Mass of aluminum metal =12.74g

Mass of potash alum =4.67g

Theoretical yield of potash alum
=5.43g Percent yield
=86%

RESULT

The Potash alum was prepared from aluminum scrap.

13
PRECAUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Wear appropriate PPE, including safety goggles, gloves, and a lab coat, to
protect your eyes, skin, and clothing from chemical splashes.

Ventilation:
Perform the process in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent
the accumulation of harmful vapors or gases.

Acid Handling:
Handle sulfuric acid with extreme care. It is a corrosive substance. Pour the acid
into the water slowly while stirring, rather than adding water to the acid, to
minimize splashes.

Avoid Contact:
Avoid direct skin contact with chemicals. If any chemical meets your skin, wash
the affected area immediately with plenty of water.

Eye Protection:
In case of accidental splashes, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. If
chemicals encounter your eyes, flush them with water for at least 15 minutes
and seek medical attention.

Fire Safety:
Be aware of the potential for hydrogen gas generation during the reaction with
aluminum. Keep the area free from ignition sources, and do not perform the
procedure near an open flame.

14
Emergency Equipment:
Have emergency equipment, such as an eyewash station and a fire extinguisher,
readily available in the workspace.

Handling Aluminum:
Be cautious when handling aluminum scrap. Avoid sharp edges, and ensure that
the aluminum is clean and free from any coatings or contaminants.

Temperature Control:
Control the temperature during the reaction to prevent overheating. Use
appropriate heating equipment and monitor the temperature carefully.

Equipment Check:
Inspect glassware and other equipment for cracks or defects before use.
Damaged equipment can lead to accidents.

First Aid:
Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest first aid kit and emergency
exits. Know the proper first aid measures for the chemicals you are working
with.

Training and Knowledge:

Only individuals with the appropriate training and knowledge in chemical
handling should attempt the extraction process.

15
PROOF:

16
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. https://cbseportal.com

2. https://en.wikipedia.org

3. https://ncert.nic.in

4. https://books.google.co.in

17