Manufacturing Process

Alginic acid and its derivatives are manufactured
commercially involving several operations inclu-
ding extraction and purification of the seaweed
polysaccarides, utilizing ion-exchange reaction.

There are two methods of processing to producealginic acid:
the so-called "Acid precipitation method" and the "Calcium
precipitation method".
Kimica has developed and commercialized the "Acid precipitation method", from its foundation,and possesses considerable "know-how" of this production method.
The "Acid precipitation method"is perticularly suitable for the production of the purest alginic acid because it reduces
Calcium contamination. Calcium has considerable affects on the properties and functionality of the final alginic acid and its derivatives.

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By reacting with divalent metal cations from
seawater (such as calcium), the alginic acid in
seaweed forms a water insoluble alginate jelly.
This alginate is partially cross-linked and retains
Its shape.



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The alginate in seaweed is
extracted first by conversion to
water-soluble sodium alginate.
The aqueous sodium alginate is
then isolated by filtration
from the seaweed residue.



In an acidic system, insoluble
Alginic acid is precipitated and
isolated.

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KIMICA@ACID

Alginic@acid

KIMICA@ALGIN

Sodium alginate

Calcium alginate

Potassium alginate

Ammonium alginate

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