Carrageenan
Synonyms
Carrageenan gum;
Category
Polymer Surfactant
> Polysaccharide and its Derivatives
>> Anionic-type
>>> Anionic Polysaccharide and its Derivatives
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 9000-07-1
EINECS: 232-524-2
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: N/A
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
kappa-type:
iota-type:
lambda-type:
Properties
Appearance (1), powder.
Solubility soluble in hot water. Swelling in water.
Stability stable. Under strong acid condition, easily hydrolyzed.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
rabbit intravenous LDLo |
5mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig intravenous LDLo |
20mg/kg[1] |
Overall carcinogenic evaluation: Group 3 (IARC); simultaneously, Poligeenan (Carrageenan, degraded; CAS: 53973-98-1): Group 2B (IARC).
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent film-forming, emulsifying, dispersing, lubricating, sustained-release abilities. kappa-type: Sensitive to potassium ion, form rigid gel, can occur slurry leaving phenomenon. iota-type: Sensitive to calcium ion, form elastic gel, can not occur slurry leaving phenomenon. lambda-type: Can not form gel. 3,6-Inner ether structure is the main factor affecting the formation of gel. The free acid form of carrageenan is unstable, usually, exist in the form of potassium salt, sodium salt, calcium salt, etc.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
80.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 1886.169 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Carrageenan
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as film-forming agent.
Use as thickening agent.
Use as slow-release agent.
Use as dispersing agent, emulsifying agent.
Use as gel-forming agent.
Use as lubricant.
2, Personal care products
Binding agent, film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer, viscosity controlling agent in personal care products.
3, Food
Use as food additive (thickening agent, emulsifying agent, stabilizer).
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 9000-07-1, Carrageenan
Update: 20140911(1); 20200426(2);