A friend gave me some large jars of Copper sulfate and Alumina
Hydrate which she found in the garage of the house she recently
purchased. The previous owner left a lot of stuff behind for my
friend to dispose of.
As she has left the area my friend is unable to contact her to
find out what these chemicals are used for. Thinking I could use
them, she gave them to me. Problem is, I haven’t a clue as to what
their use is. The jars are sealed, and the material seems to be in
good condition—not cacked. Anyone know what they are used for?
Alma, Ceramics: Copper sulfate and alumina hydrate are used in
glazes.
Jewelry: An object formed of PMC (Precious Metal Clay) can be placed
on a bed of alumina hydrate to provide extra support in the kiln.
Some recipes for patinating metal call for copper sulfate.
Hi Alma I use coppersulfate to burn out roots in my french drains in
my lawn.We also used to use it In Alsaka to soak our cotton fishing
nets so they would not rot so fast. If you need to get rid of it let
me know because I have been buying it at the feed store. I’m not sure
if you could’nt dissolve it and use to spray your fruit trees.
Thanks again for the enamelers meeting last summer.Very nice.
Regards,Roy the Corian guy in Oak Grove
We used to use copper sulphate, which we called BlueStone, to
control algae in our settling barrels. Since that was over 30 years
ago, and in a shop that started up in the 1800’s, none here may have
ever seen drain boards and settling barrels in a jewelry production
shop polishing area. At any rate, copper sulphate is somewhat toxic,
so handle it with care.
We never used alumina hydrate, but a quick Internet search showed it
is used in kilns and ink…
A friend gave me some large jars of Copper sulfate and
Alumina Hydrate which she found in the garage of the house she
recently purchased. The previous owner left a lot of stuff
behind for my friend to dispose of.
I believe that copper sulfate can be used in the granulation
process. Alumina hydrate is used(amond other things) in kilns to hold
objects such as hollow objects made with PMC, and to maybe make kiln
wash used to coat a kiln shelf.
One thing that aluminum hydrate is used for is as a dry "lubricant"
in high heat situaltions in pottery. It is used in shelf coatings to
keep things from sticking to and ruining ceramic kiln shelves, and
is mixed with wax and applied to the lip of a pot under the lid,
where it remains in place as a powder (the mixture is called “lip
stick”). The point is, it doesn’t melt or change even at very high
temps. It could be used under PMC pieces during firing. However, if
it is very fine mesh, it is a lung hazzard. Copper sulfate may be
used as a colorant, but copper carbonate is the usual copper
colorant. Hope this helps.
This is used is something glass people do. It can also be used to
support hollow PMC objects in the kiln; however, it is carcinogenic,
and most PMC users have switched to vermiculite.
(Please don’t post saying some vermiculite may contain asbestos, I
know, I know, this topic has been done to death on every PMC list.)
I wouldn’t use the alumina hydrate myself.
Elaine Luther
Chicago area, Illinois, USA
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
Studio 925; established 1992 @E_Luther
Copper sulfate is used as an algaecide and commonly applied to treat
ponds that have excessive algae growth. Underground roots shy away
from soil treated with copper sulfate, so small quantities have also
been added as a preventative to septic systems renovated because
roots had grown into lateral lines. \
The better prevention of future trouble is removal of the offending
trees/bushes. That’s more than you wanted to know Judy in Kansas
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
B.A.E. 237 Seaton Hall
Kansas State University
Manhatttan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936 FAX (785) 532-6944
Elaine, I looked up the MSDS for Alumina Hydrate and it is listed as
an inert substance and is listed as having no toxicological or
carcinogenic effects. It is a fine powder and breathing any kind of
very fine dust is not good but, why the concern? Jim
James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
Copper sulfate is frequently used in pond to kill of unwanted
vegetation, such as encroaching cattails. Alumina hydrate might be
for raising the pH of soil - as for growing blueberries.
I looked up the MSDS for Alumina Hydrate and it is listed as an
inert substance and is listed as having no toxicological or
carcinogenic effects. It is a fine powder and breathing any kind
of very fine dust is not good but, why the concern? Jim
If I remember correctly, Tim McCreight said the dust was dangerous.
And since there is a cheaper, neater, less dusty alternative, I use
the alternative.
Elaine Luther
Chicago area, Illinois, USA
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
Studio 925; established 1992 @E_Luther
