Differential thermal analysis of aluminum hydroxide gel

The development of order during the aging of aluminum hydroxide gel prepared by the reaction of aluminum chloride and ammonium hydroxide to a final pH of 7.0 can be monitored by differential thermal analysis. The loss of acid reactivity upon aging is accompanied by an increase in the temperature and intensity of the dehydroxylation endotherm and an accompanying decrease in the intensity of the water of hydration endotherm. With continued aging, the thermogram develops the characteristics of a crystalline aluminum hydroxide.