Sodium Aliginate
Sodium Alginate is a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. It appears as a white to yellowish powder that is odorless and tasteless. It is highly soluble in cold water, forming viscous solutions and gels. Sodium alginate is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic industries due to its excellent thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and film-forming properties. It acts as a natural hydrocolloid and is valued for its biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Uses
Primary Uses
Food Industry
- Acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent in sauces, dressings, and ice cream.
- Used as a gelling agent in products like jellies, puddings, and restructured foods.
- Employed in edible films and coatings to improve texture and shelf life.
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Utilized as a controlled-release agent and binder in tablet formulations.
- Used in wound dressings for its gel-forming and moisture-retention capabilities.
- Serves as a suspending and emulsifying agent in liquid medicines.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Used as a stabilizer and thickener in creams, lotions, and gels.
- Acts as a film former in facial masks and skin-care products.
Textile and Printing
- Employed as a thickener in textile printing pastes and dyes.
- Used in fabric finishing to impart smoothness and enhance texture.
Secondary Uses
Biotechnology
- Used as a matrix material for cell immobilization and encapsulation.
Dental Industry
- Utilized in impression materials for making dental molds.
Paper Industry
- Applied as a sizing and coating agent to improve paper strength and finish.
Environmental Applications
Used in wastewater treatment as a flocculant to remove heavy metals and impurities.
 Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium alginate
- Common/Trade Name: Sodium Alginate
- CAS Number: 9005-38-3
- HS Code: 1302.19.00
- Synonyms: Alginate sodium salt, Alginic acid sodium salt
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Powder
- Color & Odor: White to yellowish; odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in cold water, forming viscous solutions
- pH (1% solution): 6.0 – 8.0
- Viscosity: Variable depending on concentration and molecular weight
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous; may cause mild irritation on prolonged contact
- Toxicity: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for food use
- Exposure Limits: No specific limits; follow good industrial hygiene practices
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed polyethylene bags or drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 2 years when stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use protective mask if necessary
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with food-grade standards (e.g., FCC, JECFA)
- Approved for use in pharmaceuticals by pharmacopeias (USP, BP)
- Meets cosmetic ingredient safety regulations (e.g., IFRA)
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Dust mask, gloves, and goggles recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of dust
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly sealed and stored in a dry environment
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhaled; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; not expected to be harmful; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible material; may burn but does not ignite easily
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Wear protective equipment; avoid inhaling smoke or fumes
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, possible toxic fumes