Stability of Xanthan Gum–Soil Cohesive Networks

As discussed in Chaps. 2 and 3 , Xanthan Gum (XG) is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide consisting of a repeating pentasaccharide unit, composed of glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acids, and which are linked by β(1,4)-glycosidic bonds. The anionic carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the XG molecule make it highly hydrophilic, and it can interact with various compounds, including water and metal ions. XG has excellent water-holding capacity, thickening ability and stabilizing properties, making it widely used in various applications, including agriculture, food processing, pharmaceutical, environmental and geotechnical engineering, and petroleum industries. In recent years, XG has also been increasingly investigated as a soil stabilizer to improve the physical and mechanical properties of soils.