What is the equivalent of aluminum hydroxide?

Are you looking for a replacement for aluminum hydroxide but are lost in a sea of chemical names? Choosing the wrong material can ruin your product and cost you time and money.

The term "equivalent" can mean two things: another name for the same chemical, like Alumina Trihydrate (ATH), or a functional alternative for a specific job, like magnesium hydroxide for flame retardants or calcium carbonate for antacids.

Understanding this difference is critical. In my work at our aluminum hydroxide factory, I talk to customers every day. Some are simply confused by the different names used in different industries. Others need a material with slightly different properties for a new application¹. Both situations require a clear answer. For a buyer like Mr. Park in Korea, who buys materials for medicine, getting this right is not just about cost—it’s about patient safety. Let’s clarify these options so you can make the right choice.

What is another name for aluminum hydroxide?

You see "Gibbsite," "ATH," and "aluminum hydroxide" listed by different suppliers. This makes it impossible to compare prices and specs, leaving you worried you might order the wrong thing.

Aluminum hydroxide is most commonly called Alumina Trihydrate, or ATH, in the plastics and rubber industries. It is also known by its mineral name, Gibbsite, or more generically as hydrated alumina.

All these names point to the exact same chemical compound²: Al(OH)₃. The name used simply depends on the context. A geologist will talk about mining Gibbsite³ ore. A chemist will write a paper about aluminum hydroxide. But a plastics engineer developing a fire-retardant cable will ask for a quote on ATH. The name "Alumina Trihydrate" comes from an old way of writing the formula as Al₂O₃·3H₂O, which means alumina bonded with three water molecules. While this isn’t how we describe the structure today, the name ATH has become the global standard in industry. I once had a customer who was confused because his old supplier sold him "Gibbsite" and we were offering him "ATH." I had to explain that they were the same material, but our product had a much finer and more consistent particle size, making it better for his application.

Common Names and Who Uses Them

What is an alternative to aluminum hydroxide?

Your current product uses aluminum hydroxide, but you need better performance at higher temperatures. Sticking with the same old material is holding back your product’s potential.

The best alternative depends entirely on the application. For high-temperature flame retardants, magnesium hydroxide (MDH) is the primary alternative. For antacids, magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate are common substitutes.

When we talk about alternatives, we mean a different chemical that does a similar job. In the world of flame retardants⁴, ATH is fantastic, but it starts to decompose and release its cooling water molecules at around 200°C. This is perfect for plastics like PVC or polyethylene. However, if you are working with polymers that are processed at higher temperatures, like polypropylene or nylon, you need a more stable alternative. That is where magnesium hydroxide (MDH) comes in. It functions in the exact same way—by releasing water to cool and smother a fire—but it starts doing so at a much higher temperature, around 300°C.

In the pharmaceutical world, the choice of alternative is about balancing effects. While aluminum hydroxide is a great antacid, it can cause constipation. So, formulators often use magnesium hydroxide, which has a laxative effect, either as a direct alternative or by blending the two to create a balanced product.

Comparing ATH to Its Main Alternatives

What is an aluminum hydroxide antacid?

You see "aluminum hydroxide" on the antacid label, but it just sounds like a harsh chemical. This makes you hesitant and unsure if it is a gentle and safe choice for heartburn relief.

An aluminum hydroxide antacid is a medicine that uses Al(OH)₃ as its active ingredient. It works as a base to gently neutralize excess stomach acid, providing slow but long-lasting relief from heartburn.

Unlike very fast-acting antacids⁵ like sodium bicarbonate, aluminum hydroxide works more slowly. It doesn’t dissolve as quickly, so its acid-neutralizing effect is more gradual. This is often seen as a benefit because it can provide relief for a longer period and is less likely to cause "acid rebound⁶," where the stomach overproduces acid after the medicine wears off. Its main job is to react with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) in your stomach and turn it into harmless aluminum chloride and water.

At my factory, we produce a special high-purity grade of aluminum hydroxide specifically for this medical use. Producing pharmaceutical-grade material is much more demanding than industrial grade. We have to follow very strict quality control processes to ensure our product has extremely low levels of any impurities, especially heavy metals like lead or arsenic. For a pharmaceutical company manager like Mr. Park, seeing a full Certificate of Analysis (COA)⁷ that proves our product meets these strict purity standards is the most important part of the buying process.

Antacid Properties at a Glance

Conclusion

An "equivalent" for aluminum hydroxide can be a different name like ATH or a functional substitute like MDH. Understanding your specific application is the key to choosing the correct material.