A seaweed-derived hydrocolloid that builds viscosity and forms gels in water-based systems. It functions as a thickening, gelling, and film-forming agent, and is widely used as a print-paste thickener in textile reactive dyeing and as a stabilizer in food systems.
practically insoluble in ethanol and most organic solvents (typical)
ph_1pct_solution
6 - 8 (typical)
bulk_density
approx. 0.7 - 1.0 g/cm3 (typical)
loss_on_drying
<= 15 % (typical)
structure
linear copolymer of beta-D-mannuronic acid and alpha-L-guluronic acid (UVCB polysaccharide)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
HS / Tariff Classification
🌐Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3913.10
Chapter 39
Plastics and articles thereof
Heading 39.13
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3913.10
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
9005-38-3
INCI Name
ALGIN
Synonyms & Trade Names
AlginAlginic acid sodium saltSodium salt of alginic acidSodium polymannuronateKelp acid sodium saltE401
Full Description
Sodium alginate (CAS 9005-38-3) is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. It functions as a thickening, gelling, and film-forming agent, and is widely used as a print-paste thickener in textile reactive dyeing and as a stabilizer in food systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sodium alginate used for?
Sodium alginate (CAS 9005-38-3) is used as a thickening, gelling, and film-forming agent. Common uses include print-paste thickener in textile reactive dyeing, a calcium-set gelling agent, a food thickener and stabilizer, and the production of water-based films and coatings.
What is sodium alginate made from?
It is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. RawSource supplies it as a refined raw material for textile, food, and industrial use.
Is sodium alginate water soluble?
Yes. Sodium alginate is water soluble and hydrates to form viscous solutions, which is the basis of its thickening and print-paste function. In the presence of calcium ions it crosslinks to form gels.
How does sodium alginate gel?
It forms gels by ionic crosslinking when calcium (or other multivalent) ions bridge the polymer chains, converting a viscous solution into a gel network. This calcium-set behavior is exploited in gelling, encapsulation, and film applications.
How is sodium alginate graded and quoted in bulk?
Grades differ chiefly in viscosity, which drives thickening and gel performance, and identity is confirmed at CAS 9005-38-3 under HS 3913.10. RawSource quotes by volume and grade; request a bulk quote specifying viscosity grade and quantity. A CoA and SDS are provided.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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