Investigating the Potential of Xanthan Gum for Enhancing the Stability of Black Cotton Soil: A Sustainable Approach

This chapter investigates the potential of xanthan gum, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, as a sustainable solution for stabilizing black cotton soil, a notoriously challenging soil type due to its expansive nature. The study focuses on the geotechnical properties of black cotton soil, which is characterized by high clay content, plasticity, and a tendency to swell and shrink with moisture changes. Through a series of experimental tests, including Atterberg limits, heavy compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the research demonstrates the significant improvements in soil stability and mechanical properties achieved by incorporating xanthan gum. The findings reveal that xanthan gum enhances the cohesion and reduces the permeability of the soil, leading to increased durability and resistance to erosion. The optimal concentration of xanthan gum is identified, providing a practical guideline for its application in soil stabilization. The chapter also discusses the microstructural changes observed through SEM and XRD analyses, highlighting the formation of a cohesive network that binds soil particles and improves the soil's overall strength and stability. The results suggest that xanthan gum could serve as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical stabilizers, offering a promising approach for addressing the challenges posed by expansive soils in various construction and engineering applications.