Radiation-induced degradation of galactomannan polysaccharides

In this study, guar gum, tara gum and locust bean gum were irradiated in a gamma cell in the solid state. The change in their molecular weights were determined by size exclusion chromatography analysis and the change in their viscosity values with change of temperature and irradiation dose were determined. Chain scission yield, G(s), and degradation rate values were calculated. The calculated G(s) values is 1.09 +/- 0.16, 1.07 +/- 0.06, 0.85 +/- 0.10 for GG, TG and LBG, respectively. The effect of mannose - galactose ratio and initial molecular weight of these gums on the degradation behavior were discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.