Sodium alginate grades

Sodium alginate grades

Sodium alginate is a neutral salt in which the carboxyl groups of alginate are bonded with a sodium ion. Alginic acid is not soluble in water but sodium alginate is soluble in both cold and hot water to produce a smooth viscous solution.

Sodium alginate can be classified into different grades based on various factors such as viscosity, gel strength, and the ratio of β-d-mannuronic acid (M) and α-l-guluronic acid (G) units, particle size, application. 

Sodium alginate is classified by viscosity:

Sodium alginate is available in different grades based on its viscosity. The viscosity of sodium alginate can vary, and it is classified into ultra low,  low, medium, and high viscosity grades. The viscosity is measured in terms of centipoise (cp) or mPa·s. Ultra low viscosity sodium alginate is tested on basis of 10% solution viscosity. Low, medium, high viscosity are tested on basis of 1% solution viscosity.

Sodium alginate is classified by gel strength:

In addition to viscosity, they are also classified according to gel strength (M/G ratio), the higher the M content is, the lower the gel strength is. The high the G content is, the higher gel strength is. Sodium alginate can be classified into standard normal gel strength and high gel strength.

Sodium alginate is classified by particle size:

Common screen mesh sizes for sodium alginate, and generally for powdered materials, are typically measured in terms of mesh count. The mesh count refers to the number of openings per linear inch in the screen. These are some common mesh sizes: granule (fthe form before grinding into powder), 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 170, 200mesh.

Sodium alginate is classified by application:

Sodium alginate is a versatile ingredient widely used in the food industry for its thickening, gelling, and stabilizing properties. Its unique capabilities make it a preferred choice in various food applications, enhancing both texture and stability. In addition to it, sodium alginate also is widely used in industrial use, fine chemical application, functional material application：

FAQ

Is Sodium Alginate Safe?

Is sodium alginate safe? Is sodium alginate safe to eat? Is sodium alginate edible?

Alginic acid and its salts are evaluated by JECFA, and are regarded as safe materials and they are evaluated as alginic acid in “Group ADI”. As sodium alginate is derived from natural seaweed, our products are safe to use and BSE-free, GMO-free and pesticide-residues-free.

Sodium Alginate Benefits

Sodium alginate is a non-digestible carbohydrate and the FDA intends to propose it in the list of dietary fibers. It has the benefits of lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other health effects.

What are the food applications of sodium alginate?

Sodium alginate is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer. It improves texture and stability in ice cream, sauces, dressings, and desserts. Sodium alginate provides a smooth and creamy mouthfeel and enhances the overall quality of food products.

How is sodium alginate used in textile printing?

Sodium alginate is used as a thickener and binder in printing pastes for fabric dyeing. It forms a viscous solution that improves dye penetration, resulting in better color and pattern reproduction. It also has good desizing properties, making it easy to remove excess dye after printing. Sodium alginate is biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact of textile printing.

What are the pharmaceutical applications of sodium alginate?

Sodium alginate is used as an excipient or binder in tablet and capsule formulations. It improves the physical properties and dissolution characteristics of drugs, allowing for controlled release and enhanced bioavailability. It can also be used as a drug carrier for targeted drug delivery systems. Sodium alginate-based hydrogels and membranes show promise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

How is sodium alginate used in industrial applications?

Sodium alginate is used as a binder in welding rod formulations to improve adhesion and stability. It is also used as a gelling agent in pet foods to enhance texture and palatability. Additionally, sodium alginate is used in paper sizing to improve the strength and smoothness of paper. Its gelling and binding properties make it useful in various industrial processes, providing improved performance and quality.

What makes sodium alginate a functional material?

Sodium alginate is considered a functional material due to its unique properties. It is a natural dietary fiber that aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. It has been used for specific health purposes, such as cholesterol reduction, by acting as a bile acid sequestrant. Sodium alginate also has potential applications in wastewater treatment and as a sorbent for heavy metal ions, thanks to its biodegradability and low toxicity.

What grades of sodium alginate can Shandong Jiejing Group Corporation supply?

Our sodium alginate range:

Food grade sodium alginate

Industrial grade sodium alginate

Dental grade sodium alginate

Textile grade sodium alginate

Face mask grade sodium alginate

Fibre grade sodium alginate