Physical Appearance:
Form: Typically found in the form of tears or granules.
Color: Pale to amber.
Texture: Hard, brittle when dry, and becomes sticky when wet.
Chemical Composition:
Carbohydrates: Primarily composed of complex polysaccharides and glycoproteins.
Protein Content: Contains small amounts of protein, which contribute to its emulsifying properties.
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming a clear, viscous solution.
Specifications:
Purity:
Foreign Matter: Less than 1%.
Insoluble Residue: Typically less than 0.5%.
Moisture Content: Generally around 10-15%.
Physicochemical Properties:
pH: Usually between 4.5 to 5.5 in a 10% aqueous solution.
Applications
Food Industry:
Emulsifier: Used in beverages, flavor encapsulation, and as a stabilizer in various food products.
Thickener: Added to dairy products, sauces, dressings, and confections.
Dietary Fiber: Acts as a source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Binder: Used in tablets and pills to hold ingredients together.
Suspending Agent: Helps maintain the uniform distribution of insoluble drugs in liquid formulations.
Cosmetics:
Stabilizer: Used in lotions, creams, and other cosmetic products to maintain texture and consistency.
Film-forming Agent: Forms a protective layer on the skin, enhancing the texture of cosmetic products.
Industrial Applications:
Adhesives: Used in the production of glues and adhesives.
Textiles: Utilized in textile printing and finishing processes.
Gum Arabic Hashab is prized for its high quality and versatile applications across various industries, making it a valuable natural product.
