In the present work we have studied the characteristics of propylene glycol alginates (PGA) adsorption at the air-water interface and the viscoelastic properties of the films in relation to its foaming properties. To evaluate the effect of the degree of PGA esterification and viscosity, different commercial samples were studied--Kelcoloid O (KO), Kelcoloid LVF (KLVF) and Manucol ester (MAN). The temperature (20 degrees C) and pH (7.0) were maintained constant. For time-dependent surface pressure measurements and surface dilatational properties of adsorbed PGA at the air-water interface an automatic drop tensiometer was used. The foam was generated by whipping and then the foam capacity and stability was determined. The results reveal a significant interfacial activity for PGA due to the hydrophobic character of the propylene glycol groups. The kinetics of adsorption at the air-water interface can be monitored by the diffusion and penetration of PGA at the interface. The adsorbed PGA film showed a high viscoelasticity. The surface dilatational modulus depends on the PGA and its concentration in the aqueous phase. Foam capacity of PGA solutions increased in the order KO > MAN > KLVF, which followed the increase in surface pressure and the decrease in the viscosities of PGA solutions. The stability of PGA foams monitored by the drainage rate and collapse time follows the order MAN > KLVF > KO. The foam stability depends on the combined effect of molecular weight/degree of esterification of PGA, solution viscosity and viscoelasticity of the adsorbed PGA film.