The Influence of Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum Biopolymers on the Geotechnical Properties of Three Different Soils

This study investigates the macromolecular interaction mechanisms between linear-anionic xanthan gum (XG) and branched-nonionic guar gum (GG) biopolymers in three mineralogically distinct soils: Bentonite Clay (BC), Zeolite Silty Soil (ZS), and Red Clay (RC). Mıxtures were prepared by dry mixing of soil powders with biopolymer powders at designated ratios (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by dry weight). The prepared mixtures were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and standard compaction and shear strength tests. The results show that geotechnical macro-behavior is primarily influenced by polymer chain conformation and mineral interfacial reactions. In ZS-XG mixture, hydraulic conductivity increased approximately 26-fold (from 0.107 × 10−9 to 2.83 × 10−9 m/s), a phenomenon attributed to the Donnan electrostatic exclusion effect, where linear anionic XG chains repel zeolite surfaces and generate low-friction macro-flow paths. Conversely, the addition of GG to RC formed a strongly interconnected hydrogel network through hydrogen bonding with trivalent iron and magnesium oxides, resulting in a 20.8% increase in cohesion (up to 70.05 kPa). In contrast, GG addition decreased cohesion in BC and ZS. These findings confirm that sustainable biopolymer-based soil remediation depends on customizing the polymer morphology according to the properties of the soil. In engineering applications, ZS-XG mixtures should be evaluated for drainage projects requiring high permeability, whereas the RC-GG4 mixture should be considered a primary option for infiltration barriers (e.g., landfill liners) requiring low permeability and high cohesion.