Scholarlink

<p>Expansive soils present significant challenges to geoinfrastructure due to their inherent low strength and substantial volume changes upon moisture variation. Conventional stabilization methods using lime and cement treatments tend to be based on high-carbon footprint materials that require the development of sustainable alternatives. This research examines the effectiveness of xanthan gum (XG), a biodegradable biopolymer, as a bio-stabilizer to improve the strength properties of expansive soils. Strength and deformation characteristics were assessed through a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests on two different expansive soils treated with varying XG concentration (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) and curing period (3, 5, 7, 14 and 28&#xa0;days). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were carried out to understand the mechanisms causing the observed strength improvement of the expansive soils. The UCS test results revealed substantial increases in both compressive strength and deformation modulus of XG-treated soils with performance improving with higher XG content and longer curing periods. Strength increases measured between 1.8 and 3 times the strength of the untreated soils. SEM images revealed the improvements in particle bonding and less void space, while FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonding and carboxylate interactions between XG and clay minerals. EDX analysis further indicates the elemental enrichment within bonding regions, collectively clarifying the micromechanics behind strength improvement. Overall, the findings indicate that XG biopolymer effectively enhances the strength behaviour of expansive soils.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Effect of Xanthan Gum Biopolymer Treatment on the Strength Enhancement of Expansive Soils

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月20日

查看全文
  • Neha Raj,
  • Subburaj Selvakumar,
  • Kasinathan Muthukkumaran

摘要

Expansive soils present significant challenges to geoinfrastructure due to their inherent low strength and substantial volume changes upon moisture variation. Conventional stabilization methods using lime and cement treatments tend to be based on high-carbon footprint materials that require the development of sustainable alternatives. This research examines the effectiveness of xanthan gum (XG), a biodegradable biopolymer, as a bio-stabilizer to improve the strength properties of expansive soils. Strength and deformation characteristics were assessed through a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests on two different expansive soils treated with varying XG concentration (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) and curing period (3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were carried out to understand the mechanisms causing the observed strength improvement of the expansive soils. The UCS test results revealed substantial increases in both compressive strength and deformation modulus of XG-treated soils with performance improving with higher XG content and longer curing periods. Strength increases measured between 1.8 and 3 times the strength of the untreated soils. SEM images revealed the improvements in particle bonding and less void space, while FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonding and carboxylate interactions between XG and clay minerals. EDX analysis further indicates the elemental enrichment within bonding regions, collectively clarifying the micromechanics behind strength improvement. Overall, the findings indicate that XG biopolymer effectively enhances the strength behaviour of expansive soils.

Graphical Abstract