What is meaning of mesh in guar gum?

The term "mesh" in relation to guar gum refers to the size of the particles in the gum powder. Mesh size is a measure of the number of openings per linear inch in a sieve or screen used to separate particles of different sizes. The higher the mesh size, the smaller the openings in the sieve, and thus, the smaller the particles that will pass through.

In the context of guar gum, mesh size plays an important role in determining the functional properties and applications of the gum. Guar gum powder is typically classified according to its mesh size, with common mesh sizes ranging from 80 to 325.

Higher mesh guar gum powders, such as 100 mesh or finer, have smaller particle sizes and provide greater thickening and stabilizing properties. They are often used in food applications where a high viscosity and smooth texture are desired. For instance, high mesh guar gum is commonly employed in salad dressings, sauces, beverages, and ice creams to enhance their consistency and stability.

On the other hand, lower mesh guar gum powders, such as 80 mesh, have larger particle sizes and may be preferred in certain industrial applications where viscosity control is not as crucial. They can be used in areas like papermaking, textile printing, and oil drilling, where guar gum serves as a binding agent or a fluid modifier.

The choice of mesh size in guar gum depends on the specific application and desired functional properties. By selecting the appropriate mesh size, it is possible to optimize the performance of guar gum in various industries and achieve the desired results in terms of thickening, stabilization, and texture modification.