Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide polymer extracted from red seaweed, belonging to the family of hydrocolloids and gelling agents. It is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent in dairy products, meat processing, and plant-based beverages, valued for its ability to form viscous solutions and firm gels without chemical synthesis. Beyond food, carrageenan finds applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and specialty coatings where controlled rheology and biocompatibility are advantageous; engineers select it over synthetic alternatives when natural origin, food-grade certification, or biodegradability are project requirements.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg) | 266.2 | K | — |