Guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
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Product Description
Guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, also known as hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), is a chemically modified derivative of natural guar gum, a polysaccharide derived from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). This modification involves reacting guar gum with propylene oxide to attach hydroxypropyl groups, which enhances its water solubility, viscosity, and stability compared to unmodified guar gum. HPG forms clear, viscous solutions in water and is effective in systems with high alcohol or glycol content, making it versatile for various applications. It is widely used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in personal care products, food, and industrial applications such as oil and gas drilling and papermaking. Its improved properties and versatility have made it a valuable ingredient in many industrial and consumer products.
Uses
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Cosmetics and Personal Care:
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Function: Acts as a thickener, hair conditioning agent, emulsion stabilizer, and film-forming agent.
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Products: Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, hand sanitizers, skin creams, shaving gels.
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Oil and Gas Industry:
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Function: Used as a viscosifier (gelling agent) to increase the viscosity of the fluid, allowing it to effectively transport proppants (like sand) into the fracture.
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Applications: Hydraulic fracturing fluids (fracking fluids) and drilling muds.
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Construction:
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Function: Used for water retention, improving consistency, and modifying the rheological properties (flow characteristics) of the mixture.
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Applications: Dry mix mortars, tile adhesives, gypsum-based plasters.
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Food and Beverages:
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Function: Used as an indirect food additive and as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
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Applications: Various food products.
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Pesticide Formulations:
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Function: Acts as a thickener.
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Applications: Pesticide formulations applied to growing crops.
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Textiles:
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Function: Used as a thickener in printing pastes and as a sizing agent.
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Pharmaceuticals:
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Function: Employed as a binder and controlled-release agent in tablet formulations.
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Other Applications:
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Recreational Activities: Used in slime-making due to its gelling properties.
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Chemical Identity and Structure
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Systematic Name: Guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
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Common Synonyms: Hydroxypropyl guar, Hydroxypropyl guar gum, Guaraprolose
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CAS Number: 39421-75-5
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Source: Derived from guar gum, a high molecular weight polysaccharide (galactomannan) extracted from the seeds of the Cyamopsis tetragonoloba plant.
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Modification: Created by reacting guar gum with propylene oxide, attaching hydroxypropyl groups to the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide backbone.
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Molecular Structure: A galactomannan backbone with hydroxypropyl substituents.
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Appearance: Typically a white to yellowish fine powder.
Properties
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Solubility: Highly soluble in cold water, forming pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) gels.
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Stability: Effective across a broad pH range (typically 4-10) and resistant to electrolytes.
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Improved Solubility: Dissolves more quickly and completely in water, even in cold water, with less lumping.
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Enhanced Clarity: Solutions are much clearer than those of plain guar gum.
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Better Stability:
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pH Stability: Remains stable and effective over a wider pH range.
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Biological Stability: Less prone to bacterial and enzymatic breakdown, giving it a longer shelf life.
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Reduced Syneresis: Less likely to "weep" or release water over time.
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Compatibility: Works better with other ingredients, such as salts and various surfactants.
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Safety and Regulatory Status
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FDA Listing: Listed as a food contact substance and generally recognized as safe for indirect food additives.
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Cosmetics Safety: Receives low concern ratings for skin irritation and environmental impact.
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Handling: Proper handling is recommended to avoid dust inhalation, and it should be used according to product-specific guidelines.