Extensive range of applications of Guar Gum Powder

Guar Gum Powder is also called galactomannan or guaran. Guar gum is mainly the guar beans’ ground endosperm. The guar seeds are milled, dehusked and screened to get guar gum. Guar gum is produced as an off white powder which is free flowing. Guaran is a polysaccharide which is composed of mannose and sugars galactose. Guar gum consists of more branch points of galactose and so it is a better stabilizer and it is more soluble than the gum obtained from locust bean.

Guar gum can be caused into gel by the cross linking of calcium or borax. The guar gum in water is hydro-colloidal and non-ionic. It is not affected by pH or the ionic strength but at extreme temperatures it degrades at pH. The loss of viscosity appears in hydrolysis caused by strong acids. Guar gum tends to decrease viscosity in strong concentration of alkalies. In most hydrocarbon solvents, the guaran is insoluble. Guar gum is strongly shear thinning and shows low high shear viscosity. With xanthan gum it shows viscosity synergy. In a bi phase system form mi-cellar casein mixtures and guar gum is slightly thixotropic.

Guar gum has water thickening potency eight times more than cornstarch and so is economical. Sufficient viscosity is produced by a small quantity of guar gum. Guar gum is used in several multiphase formulations. Oil droplets are prevented from coalescing by guar gum as it is an emulsifier. The solid particles are prevented from setting as guar gum is a stabilizer. Ice crystal growth is retarded by guar gum as it slows mass transfer non specifically across the liquid or solid interface. During cycles of freeze thaw guar gum shows good stability.

Guar gum has wide range of industrial applications. In textile industry it is used for finishing, printing and sizing. In explosives industry, guar gum is used as an agent for water proofing which is mixed with ammonium nitrate and nitroglycerin. In paper industry it is used for printing as it provides denser and folding surface and also improves sheet formation. In toiletries and cosmetic industry, in shampoos it is used as a conditioner and it is utilized as a thickener in toothpastes. In pharmaceutical industries it is the chief component for some bulk forming laxatives and also used as a dis-integrator or binder in capsules and tablets.

For gas and shale oil extraction in hydraulic fracturing guar gum is produced about 90% from Pakistan and India. It also has applications in the mining industry. Gold and silver nano-particles are produced by the guar gum and also innovative delivery mechanisms are developed in the industry of pharmaceuticals. Guar gum is used as an essential thickener in Phos check which is used in fire retardant industry. Foods and liquids are thickened with the use of guar gum in nursing homes and hospitals for the patients suffering from dysphagia. Guar gum is also used in the formation of seed bearing.

Guar Gum Powder also has an extensive range of applications in the food industry. It is used in baked foods, condiments, dairy products, in meat, sweet deserts, oatmeal, canned foods and soup, frozen food items etc. Guar gum is easily available online. Persons or organizations interested in availing these can contact the manufacturers directly in their official websites.