3. Physico-chemical properties

Xanthan gum is marketed as a white to cream-colored powder. The particle size profile varies from grade to grade, but is well controlled.

• Solubility

Xanthan gum is an anionic polymer, and therefore hydrophilic. It is soluble in water from 10 C. However, it is insoluble in organic solvents. This property is put to good use in the process of extracting gum from fermentation wort. Nevertheless, in certain formulations, up to 40% acetone, ethanol or isopropanol can be added to an aqueous mixture without xanthan gum precipitating.

Xanthan gum is solubilized in an aqueous phase in 2 stages. The first stage consists in dispersing the grains making up the powder, i.e. individualizing the particles. The higher the particle size of the powder, the faster the dispersion. There are even granulated...