Tailoring of Guar gum for desert sand stabilization

Abstract

A low viscosity grade guar gum has been developed by two techniques i.e. gamma irradiation and H₂O₂ treatment. The desired viscosity is achieved by controlling the quantity of hydrogen peroxide solution or the <img src='/image/spc_char/gamma2.gif' border=0>-irradiation dose. The viscosity of 1% guar gum was reduced from 3240 cps to 116 cps using10% H₂O₂ solution (50% <i>v/v</i>) and from 3203 cps to 222 cps using 6 kGy <img src='/image/spc_char/gamma2.gif' border=0>-irradiation dose. The reduced viscosity was stabilized by adding 0.5% solution of formaldehyde (37% <i>v/v</i>) or by using 0.5% cobalt naphthenate. The low viscosity grade guar gum powder and the solutions stabilized with cobalt naphthenate or formaldehyde could be stored for long periods without loss of viscosity. The reduced viscosity guar gum is used for grouting stabilization of sand for construction works across desert.