What is alum?

Answer by  Jason14 (69)

Alum is hydrated aluminum potassium sulfate and has both astringent and antiseptic properties. It has been used medically for these reasons as well as for hair removal, putting out fires, in industrial chemistry, and even as a pickling agent. It seems to be generally considered safe for these uses.

Answer by  ramizq1 (185)

Alum is a natural occurring, hydrated chemical compound (usually) of Aluminum with the formula KAl(SO4)2. 12h2o. It's uses are: in photography and printing materials to harden to gelatin films, as an astringent to prevent bleeding from shaving cuts, as a preservative for pickles, in the making of baking powders and toothpaste and as an adjuvant for antigens to take effect.

Answer by  scigirl (129)

Alum is a salt in chemistry. It is used to strengthen the cell walls and make them crisper before they are packaged and shipped for sale. It is approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration as a food additive, but in large quantities (over 1 ounce) it is toxic to humans.

Answer by  ayaznasiry (0)

a colourless astringent compound which is a hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium, used in solution in dyeing and tanning.