Evidence from Thermal Aging Indicating That the Synergistic Effect of Glyoxal and Sodium Sulfite Improved the Thermal Stability of Conformational Modified Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is prone to thermal oxidative degradation, which limits its applications. However, conformational changes in xanthan gum and appropriate stabilizers may improve its thermal stability. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to establish a strategy to maintain the viscosity of xanthan gum during long-term storage at high temperatures. We modified the original strain used for xanthan gum production by genetic engineering and added stabilizers during the production process. The structure and thermal stability of the resulting xanthan gum samples were then determined. Pyruvyl deficiency, combined with the addition of sodium sulfite and glyoxal during the production process, was found to significantly improve the maintenance of viscosity. The apparent viscosity of the new xanthan gum solution remained above 100 mPa·s after being stored at 90 °C for 48 days. Fourier-transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy images showed that pyruvate-free xanthan gum with added stabilizers had more extensive cross-linking than natural xanthan gum. In conclusion, these findings may contribute to the use of xanthan gum in applications that require high temperatures for a long period of time.

Preparation and the Catalytic Properties of Attapulgite / TiO2 Nanocomposites

With the rapid development of industry, the discharge of textile printing and dyeing wastewater will cause serious pollution to other pure water bodies. It is imperative to deal with textile printing and dyeing wastewater. In this paper, with titanium tetrachloride as a precursor, attapulgite (ATP) / TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by a neutralizing hydrolysis method and their catalytic activities were investigated by the oxidative degradation of methylene blue dye using ozone as oxidant. The test results showed that there were significant interactions between TiO2 and ATP support. The effects were also studied of ozone concentration, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and initial concentration of methylene blue on the degradation rate of methylene blue catalyzed by the prepared attapulgite / TiO2 nanocomposites, and under the optimal conditions, the methylene blue could be degraded more than 90% in 30 minutes. Compared with that of pure ATP, the catalytic activities of ATP / TiO2 nanocomposites were enhenced remarkably. The degradation mechanism of methylene blue was also discussed.