Galactasol® guar and guar derivatives

Galactasol® products are a family of polymers based on the galactomannan derived from guar beans. Derived products range from natural guar, which is not chemically modified, to hydroxypropyl (HP) guar derivatives, carboxymethyl (CM) guar derivatives, to cationic derivatives modified with quaternary amines. The products typically exhibit the following functions and properties:

  • Soluble in hot and cold water
  • Not soluble in non-polar organic solvents
  • Aqueous solutions typically exhibit non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior
  • Generally exhibit a high degree of compatibility with salts, surfactants and other dissolved species in aqueous systems
  • Readily cross-linked to form high viscosity gels

The variety of chemistries and general properties available in the Galactasol product line make it suitable for use in a number of commercial applications.

  Applications for Galactasol Products
Types of Uses Specific Applications Properties Utilized Products
Adhesives Water-based glues Thickener; water-binding suspension aid Natural guar
Mineral slurries Suspension aid Viscosifier; dispersant Natural guar
CM guar
HP guar
Mining Electrowinning Control crystal growth HP guar
Mineral recovery Flocculant; talc depressant CM guar
Natural guar
Iron ore Binder CMHP guar
Hydromulch Tackifier Thickener; binder; film-former Natural guar
Ice packs Gelling agent;
freeze point depression		 High-viscosity; gelling properties Natural guar
CMHP guar
Textiles Dye masking agent High viscosity Natural guar
Dye viscosifier High viscosity; compatibility
with dissolved species		 Natural guar
Screen printing Viscosity, image control CM guar
Water treatment Flocculant Polymer charge; high molecular weight Cationic guar
Welding rods Extrusion aid Binder; lubricant Natural guar
HP guar
Tobacco Reconstituted sheets Binder; suspending aid Natural guar
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