Ammonium alginate

Ammonium alginate (CAS 9005-34-9) is the ammonium salt of alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. It is also known under trade names such as Digamon and Analgine. Unlike sodium alginate, it carries an ammonium counterion, which influences its solubility profile and ionic behaviour in formulation systems.

In textile printing, ammonium alginate functions as a thickener for reactive dye pastes, providing controlled viscosity and clean pattern definition without interfering with dye fixation. In pharmaceutical and food applications, it acts as a stabiliser and emulsifier by forming gel networks that trap dispersed phases, improving texture and shelf stability in semi-solid systems.

Ammonium alginate is available in food-grade and technical-grade forms and is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Procurement teams should verify compliance with FCC or Ph.Eur. monographs depending on the intended application. Standard packaging includes multi-wall paper sacks and fibre drums.