What Is Guar Gum?
Guar gum is a crucial agrochemical derived from the seed endosperm of the guar plant. The seed of cluster bean contains about 30-33% gum in the endosperm. It has a strong hydrogen bond-forming tendency in water, which makes it a novel thickener and stabiliser. Aqueous solutions of guar gum are very viscous.
Properties Of Guar Gum
- Guar gum is a tangible high molecular mass polysaccharide comprised of galactose and mannose units connected through glycosidic linkages.
- Colour of guar gum powders differs from white to cream colour.
- Guar gum powder and solution is odourless and has a bland taste and flavour.
- Guar gum powder diffuses rapidly in the cold as well as in hot water. It is insoluble in organic solvents.
- Guar gum powder is insignificantly acidic in nature and pH of 1% solution varies from 5.4 to7.7.
Because of these properties, it has extensive applications in industries like food, pharmaceutical, textile, oil, paint, paper, explosive, cosmetics and oil well drilling. Another reason for its popularity in the industry is its low cost. Its conservative nature makes it accessible in gums and stabilisers industry.