Effects of EB irradiation on the properties of xanthan in solid state for utilization as adjuvant to improve foliar applications

Abstract

In this study, xanthan was irradiated by electron beam accelerator (EB) in solid state and the viscosity and molecular weight of the irradiated xanthan were investigated to provide a better understanding on the EB radiation effect on molecular properties of xanthan. Both viscosity and molecular weight of xanthan were greatly decreased by EB at 25 kGy then slowly decreased with further increase of irradiation dose to 200 kGy. Contact angles and adhesion degrees of the irradiated xanthan solutions were rather smaller than those of commercial xanthan. These results suggested that the xanthan was EB irradiated at 100 kGy can be utilized as a good adjuvant to improve spraying application of foliar fertilizer for promoting the growth and yield of water spinach.