Sodium Alginate
Algin
- CAS
- 9005-38-3
- EC
- 618-415-6
- Food Code
- E410
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Pharma & Healthcare, Textiles, Leather & Paper
Sodium Alginate (CAS 9005-38-3) is a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, supplied as a white to off-white powder, that thickens aqueous solutions and forms gels with calcium ions, serving as a gelling, stabilizing and thickening agent in restructured foods, controlled-release capsules, wound dressings and textile printing. It offers stabilizing and thickening functions in food and pharma, with food-grade variants compliant with FDA inactive ingredient lists and industry polymer records.
Typical Properties
| Appearance | solid |
|---|---|
| Form | powder |
| Color | White to Off-white |
| Odor | odorless |
| Melting point | 185.76 °C |
| Density | 1.25 g/cm³ (solid) |
| Water solubility | Soluble in water. Insoluble in alcohol, chloroform and ether. |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 (10mg/mL in H2O) |
| HS code | 39131000 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Sodium Alginate
Applications
Employed as a gelling agent in restructured foods like pimento olives; in pharmaceutical capsules for controlled release; in wound dressings for moisture retention; in textile printing for dye fixation; and in dairy products for texture improvement.
Safety & Risks
Generally safe but dust may cause respiratory irritation; gel hazards if ingested dry leading to blockage. Low allergenicity; avoid high concentrations in sensitive applications; use masks during powder handling.
Packaging
Supplied in 20 kg fiber drums with inner aluminum foil liners for light protection. Maintain cool, dry storage facilities with humidity controls to prevent clumping.