Pseudo-gel ternary systems of xanthan gum in water-ethanol solutions for industrial applications

Hydrocolloids with xanthan gum are widely applied, especially considering the food and cosmetics industries. The water solution of xanthan gum demonstrates characteristics of pseudo-gel, with the relaxation time increasing exponentially as a function of time. The solubility and intermolecular association capacity of aqueous xanthan gum solutions can be influenced by various factors, especially alcohols, which promote conformational structural changes and lead to a gelation process. The study investigated the effect of pseudo-gel ternary systems of xanthan gum in water-ethanol solutions as thickening agents. Formulations differing in the mass proportion of xanthan gum and the solvent ratio were used to get model mouldings. Additionally, the rheological properties of slurries were investigated. The mass loss during drying under different conditions was evaluated (50 °C/72 h; 115 °C/45 min). The thermal stability of mouldings and pseudo-gel systems was examined with DSC-TG. The internal structure of the mouldings was assessed based on the absorption and porosity test for solvents differing in polarity. SEM imaging was used to visualise the internal structure. A hardness test with surface analysis using a profilometer was carried out. The influence of ternary pseudo-gel systems on mouldings was investigated to complement knowledge about formulating at the early stages of process design.