Potassium alginate
CAS Number
9005-36-1
E Number
E402
What is Potassium alginate?
Potassium alginate (CAS 9005-36-1), also known commercially as Kelmar and listed as E402 in food additive regulations, is a natural polysaccharide salt derived from brown seaweed.
Where is Potassium alginate used?
- Food: thickener and stabilizer in dairy products, dressings and bakery fillings
- Pharmaceutical: binder and controlled-release matrix in tablet formulations
- Textile: print paste thickener for reactive dye printing on cotton
- Paper and leather finishing: surface coating and sizing with controlled film-forming behaviour
- It functions as a thickener, gelling agent and stabilizer in industrial manufacturing.
Good to know: Particularly useful where sodium-restricted formulations require a potassium-based alternative to sodium alginate. Viscosity grades, including low, medium and high, are the primary specification parameter buyers use to match product to process requirements.
Commercial specifications
- Off-white to pale yellow powder in varying particle sizes
- Food-grade meeting E402 specifications
- Pharmaceutical-grade aligned with USP and Ph. Eur. requirements
- High purity for sensitive applications
Other Names (Synonyms)
Alginic acid, potassium salt|Kelmar|Kelmar improved|Potassium polyalginate|E402
What are the physical properties of Potassium alginate?
Appearance Occurs in filamentous, grainy, granular, and powdered forms. It is colorless or slightly yel- low and may have a slight characteristic smell and taste. Slowly soluble in water, forming a viscous solution; insoluble in alcohol.
Odor Odorless
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Potassium alginate?
HS Code 3913100000