it is mainly used in the textile printing and dyeing applications. for their thickening, stabilizing, suspending properties, sodium alginate is also used in food industry such as beverage, bakery, sugar and refrigeration and preservation. it is also widely used in pharmaceutical，casting, paper making and cosmetic industries. as a thickening agent, the sodium alginate firstly shall not react with dyes. secondly, it not only affects the dyeing reaction but also makes the product outline clear, color bright and feel smooth. therefore, it is widely used in cotton, wool, silk and synthetic fiber.