Evaluation of Suspending Properties of a Natural Hydrocolloid Gum from Afzelia africana

The suspending property of a new polysaccharide gum derived from Afzelia Africana (family Fabaceae) seed have been investigated using Sodium carboxymethylcellulose as reference standard. Deflocculated and flocculated(using 1% solution of Aluminium Chloride) Zinc oxide suspensions were prepared using 0.5%w/v,1.0%w/v,2%w/v and 4%w/v of Afzelia africana gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and binary(1:1) combinations of the polymers. Suspension stability was evaluated by comparing the rheological behavior, sedimentation volume and degree of flocculation. The study revealed that a 2% w/v binary combination system exhibited better rheological properties, highest degree of flocculation, increased sedimentation volume and reduced settling in comparison with other concentration of the same system as well as other suspending agents alone.