Sodium Alginate (CAS 9005-38-3), chemically identified as the sodium salt of alginic acid, is a natural anionic polysaccharide functioning as a premier thickening agent and rheology modifier in textile printing paste formulation and food processing. Extracted from brown algae (Phaeophyceae), this hydrophilic powder, also technically referred to as algin or sodium polymannuronate, serves as a key binder in reactive dye printing to ensure sharp definition and color yield, and acts as a gelling agent in food hydrocolloid systems. We provide bulk supply of this industrial ingredient with competitive factory pricing to optimize production costs for textile and food manufacturers. Our processing facilities strictly control viscosity and particle size, making MSDS, TDS, COA available alongside customized specifications to meet specific printing mesh or food grade (E401) standards.
Sodium Alginate CAS 9005-38-3
- CAS: 9005-38-3
- Synonyms: Algin, Alginic acid sodium salt, Sodium polymannuronate, Sodium alginate polymer, Alginate
- Einecs: 618-415-6
- Molecular Formula: (C₆H₇O₆Na)ₙ
- Grade: Food grade / Industrial grade
- Package: 25 kg paper-plastic composite bag with PE inner liner; jumbo bags or OEM packing on request
Product Description
Sodium alginate is a water-soluble polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed. It is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent and film-former in food, pharmaceutical, textile printing, personal care and other industrial formulations.
We supply consistent-quality sodium alginate from Chinese factories, with stable viscosity grades, competitive bulk prices and full technical support (COA, MSDS, TDS, samples).
📧 Email: info@industrochem.com – Send us your required grade, viscosity and application, and we will reply with a tailored quotation and technical data pack.
Physicochemical Properties
| Property | Typical Value / Range* |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white, free-flowing powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| CAS | 9005-38-3 |
| Einecs | 618-415-6 |
| Molecular formula | (C₆H₇O₆Na)ₙ |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, forms viscous colloidal solution; insoluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform |
| pH (1% aq. solution, 20°C) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Typical viscosity grades (1% solution) | 20–50, 100–200, 300–400, 500–600, 800–900 mPa·s (customizable) |
| Bulk density | Approx. 0.5 – 0.9 g/cm³ (tapped) |
| True density | Approx. 1.0 g/cm³ (25°C) |
| Moisture (loss on drying) | ≤ 15.0% |
| Ash (ignition residue as Na₂O) | Approx. 30 – 37% |
| Melting / decomposition temperature | ~99 °C (softening; decomposes on strong heating) |
| Stability (aqueous solution) | Most stable at pH 4–10; precipitates below pH 3 |
*Exact specs can be adjusted according to your internal standard (food/FCC, pharma, industrial).
Applications
1. Food & Beverage (E401)
- As a thickener and stabilizer in sauces, salad dressings, dairy products, yogurt, ice cream and desserts.
- Provides smooth mouthfeel, suspension stability, freeze–thaw resistance and controlled viscosity.
- Used in restructured foods, fruit preparations and bakery fillings for water retention and anti-syneresis.
2. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
- Used as a binder and disintegrant in tablets and capsules.
- Thickening agent in oral suspensions, syrups and antacid/GERD formulations (forms a protective gel with calcium ions).
- Carrier or matrix polymer in controlled-release dosage forms and microencapsulation systems.
3. Textile Printing & Dyeing
- Common printing thickener for reactive dyes on cotton, viscose and blended fabrics.
- Delivers good color yield, levelness and easy washing-off, with low impact on shade and handle.
4. Personal Care & Household
- Rheology modifier in toothpaste, facial masks, lotions, shampoos, gels and hand soaps.
- Provides natural, mild thickening and helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions.
5. Other Industrial Uses
- Binder for welding rods, ceramics and foundry molds.
- Thickener and stabilizer in coatings, paper, adhesives and construction chemicals.
- Component of immobilized enzyme/cell carriers and hydrogel systems in biotech and water treatment.
If you tell us your industry (food, pharma, textile, cosmetic, etc.) and process conditions, we can recommend the most suitable viscosity grade and quality standard.
For related polysaccharide and cellulose thickener raw materials, see Xanthan Gum and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose.
Storage Conditions
To maintain product quality during transport and storage:
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse. Recommended temperature: ≤ 25°C, relative humidity < 65%.
- Keep bags tightly sealed after opening to avoid moisture absorption and caking (sodium alginate is hygroscopic).
- Avoid direct sunlight, high temperature, strong acids and strong oxidizing agents.
- Use strictly on a FIFO (first in, first out) basis.
- Typical shelf life: 24 months from production date in unopened original packaging (exact shelf life can follow your factory COA).
Safety Precautions
Sodium alginate is generally regarded as a low-toxicity, non-irritant material and is widely approved for use in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Basic handling advice for workers:
- Avoid generating excessive dust; local exhaust ventilation is recommended at handling points.
- Wear dust mask/respirator, safety glasses and gloves when handling large quantities.
- Inhalation: move to fresh air; seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
- Skin contact: wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye contact: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; seek medical advice if irritation continues.
- Spill: sweep or vacuum up the dry powder carefully and place in appropriate containers; avoid dispersing dust.
Material is not classified as hazardous under CLP in typical SDS, but local regulations and your internal HSE rules should always be followed.
For detailed safety information and transport classification, we can provide MSDS, COA and other regulatory documents with your inquiry.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Sodium Alginate CAS 9005-38-3?
A: Sodium Alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a natural anionic polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. It is supplied as a water-soluble white to off-white powder and is used as a thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent and film former. -
Q:
Does CAS 9005-38-3 identify one viscosity grade?
A: No. The CAS number identifies the sodium alginate polymer class rather than a single molecular weight or grade. Viscosity, gel strength, particle size and the desired application should be specified separately when selecting a product. -
Q:
What are the main applications of Sodium Alginate?
A: It is used in food thickening, stabilization, encapsulation and spherification; in textile printing paste; in paper treatment; in pharmaceutical and dental impression materials; and in industrial binding, coating and controlled-release systems. -
Q:
How does Sodium Alginate form a gel?
A: Sodium Alginate gels when divalent cations such as calcium replace sodium and bridge carboxyl groups on adjacent polymer chains. This ionic crosslinking is widely used to form beads, capsules, structured gels and molded or extruded products. -
Q:
Is Sodium Alginate used as a food additive?
A: Yes. Food-grade sodium alginate is listed as E401 in the EU and INS 401 in the Codex system. It is used at low dosages in sauces, desserts, dairy products, restructured foods, beverages and molecular gastronomy. -
Q:
How should Sodium Alginate powder be stored and handled?
A: Keep it in tightly closed, moisture-protected containers in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers. Use dust-control measures and appropriate PPE when weighing and transferring the powder.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.
Quotation
Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.
Sample & Supply
Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.
Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.
