Aluminum trihydrate is a chemical compound that has various applications in industries such as construction, plastics, and paper. It is a white, odorless, and non-toxic powder that is commonly used as a flame retardant and filler material. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of aluminum trihydrate.
Definitions
Aluminum trihydrate, also known as aluminum hydroxide or ATH, is a naturally occurring mineral that is extracted from bauxite ore. It has the chemical formula Al(OH)3 and is composed of three molecules of water and one molecule of aluminum oxide.
In chemistry, aluminum trihydrate is classified as a hydrate, which means it contains water molecules that are loosely bound to its structure. This property makes it useful in various applications, such as as a flame retardant in plastics and textiles.
Origin
Aluminum trihydrate is found naturally in the mineral bauxite, which is the primary source of aluminum. Bauxite is a sedimentary rock that is formed by the weathering of aluminum-rich rocks in tropical and subtropical areas. The extracted bauxite is then processed to produce aluminum oxide, which is further processed to produce aluminum metal.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, aluminum trihydrate is defined as “a white crystalline compound Al(OH)3 that is used especially as a fire retardant and as a raw material for the manufacture of aluminum compounds.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a white powder used as a fire retardant and as a raw material for the production of aluminum compounds.”
Associations
Aluminum trihydrate is commonly associated with flame retardant properties and is used in the production of various materials, such as plastics, rubber, and textiles. It is also used as a filler material in paper, ceramics, and paint.
In the construction industry, aluminum trihydrate is used as a filler in building materials, such as concrete and asphalt. It is also used as a coating material for roofing, walls, and floors.
Synonyms
Some common synonyms for aluminum trihydrate include aluminum hydroxide, hydrated alumina, and gibbsite.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for aluminum trihydrate, as it is a specific chemical compound. However, some antonyms for its properties include flammable, combustible, and non-fire retardant.
The same root words
The root words of aluminum trihydrate are aluminum and hydrate. Aluminum is a metallic element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13, while hydrate refers to a compound that contains water molecules.
Example Sentences
- The plastic industry uses aluminum trihydrate as a flame retardant to increase safety.
- The construction industry uses aluminum trihydrate as a filler material in building materials to increase durability.
- The paper industry uses aluminum trihydrate as a filler material to improve the quality of paper.
- The textile industry uses aluminum trihydrate as a flame retardant to increase safety in clothing.
- The paint industry uses aluminum trihydrate as a filler material to improve the quality of paint.