Xanthan gum is similar to white or light yellow powder, soluble in water but insoluble in most organic solvents. Xanthan gum is an extracellular acidic heteropoly sugar produced by the fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris. It is a kind of high molecular microbial polymer which is derived from carbohydrate as the main raw material (such as corn and starch, etc.) through biological fermentation engineering culture, ethanol extraction, drying and crushing.

It is composed of glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid, acetic acid and pyruvate. Xanthan gum is widely used in food-making as Thickeners, Emulsifiers. It can also be used in detergent, papermaking, oil-drilling, textile, dyeing, ceramics, construction, paint, welding, battery, tobacco, toothpaste, etc.

Industrial application of Xanthan gum

In the oil industry, xanthan gum is used in large quantities, usually to thicken drilling mud. These fluids serve to carry the solids cut by the drilling bit back to the surface.

In cosmetics, xanthan gum is used to prepare water gels, usually in conjunction with bentonite clays. It is also used in oil-in-water emulsions to help stabilize the oil droplets against coalescence.

It has some skin hydrating properties. Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in fake blood recipes, and in gunge.

Xanthan gum is usually added to pesticides and liquid fertilizers as glue suspension, emulsifier, adhesive and stabilizer. 

In tobacco manufacturing, xanthan gum, as emulsifying agent of tobacco flavor, is applied to tobacco flakes in order to prevent tobacco from breaking. 

In the printing and dyeing process, as a carrier, adhesive, convenient for pigment dispersion, coloring and color.

In ceramic process, it can be thickened billet, glaze suspension lubrication to enhance color.

Xanthan gum can also be used in liquid explosives, water-soluble coatings, fire-resistant coatings for construction, industrial polishes, rust removers, lubricants for drugs and cosmetics.  

Gel-foam fire extinguishing agent produced with xanthan gum as raw material for forest fire extinguishing.