Influence of polysaccharides on kaolinite structure and properties in la kaolinite–water system

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Abstract
The influence of soil organics on the development of soil structure and behaviour of soils is the motivation for this study. Xanthan and dextran, two soil polysaccharides, were examined in relation to their influence on the development of the structure of kaolinite–polysaccharide systems and also on resultant physicochemical properties. The kaolinite–polysaccharide soils were formed in suspensions under anaerobic and low redox potential conditions to simulate environmental conditions that exist in subsurface soils. Information on the rheology of the kaolinite–polysaccharide system, zeta potential, aggregate size, settling properties, and specific surface area were obtained. Both polysaccharides were shown to develop aggregate groups (floes) which participated to a greater or lesser extent in the overall rheological properties of the kaolinite–polysaccharide complexes. The ability of the polysaccharides to develop flocs is seen as a factor to be considered in studies of soil permeability and transport processes in soil. Together with information from infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and in combination with the results obtained from the physicochemical tests, models of interaction between kaolinite and both polysaccharides are proposed. Key words: soil organics, polysaccharides, kaolinite, rheology, floes, xanthan, dextran, soil structure, zeta potential, kaolinite–polysaccharide system, differential viscosity, Bingham yield stress.

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