Enhancement of concrete performance with xanthan gum: potential of natural biopolymer

The study examines the use of Ethiopian acacia tree gum as a natural biopolymer to enhance the properties of concrete. However, the limited number of long-term studies poses challenges in fully understanding the durability and effectiveness of gum-modified concrete. The main objective of this study is to evaluate how Xanthan gum can improve the longevity and performance of concrete. Various commonly used procedures are employed in laboratory settings to assess concrete’s mechanical, durability, and morphological properties. It is crucial to adhere to standardized testing procedures and protocols to obtain accurate and reliable results. The xanthan gum percentage used for this study is 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% as an additive. By making a mixture more viscous, xanthan gum improves its flow properties. Investigations indicate that Xanthan gum can extend the setting time of concrete, resulting in compressive strengths of 32.8 MPa and flexural strengths of 3.3 MPa at 0.4% replacement of Xanthan gum. In addition, the addition of Xanthan gum shows that as Xanthan gum increases the water absorptions are going to decrease. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that it is predominantly amorphous, with a distinct peak at 18.76°. The elemental composition analysis confirmed the presence of key minerals, such as SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , CaO, and MgO, which provide specific advantages for concrete production. Xanthan gum also functions as a water-reducing admixture, further improving the material’s strength. This study highlights the importance of sustainability and environmental considerations in concrete production.