Guar gum improved electrolyte compatibility. These changes in properties result in increased use in different fields, like textile printing, explosives, and oil-water fracturing applications. Guar molecules have a tendency to aggregate during the hydraulic fracturing process, mainly due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These aggregates are detrimental to oil recovery because they clog the fractures, restricting the flow of oil. Cross-linking guar polymer chains prevents aggregation by forming metal – hydroxyl complexes. The first crosslinked guar gels were developed in the late ‘60’s. Several metal additives have been used for crosslinking, among them are chromium, aluminum, antimony, zirconium, and the more commonly used,
Guar gum also known to cause small sores or lesions as well as chronic diarrhea (IBS). Manufacturers and suppliers will sometimes substitute guar Gum, xanthan gum and cellulose gum in formulations, without changing product labels. Often, blends of all these ingredients are sold as cellulose gum. If allergic to guar gum, the most common foods to suspect contamination from are frozen dairy/ice treats, soft cheeses (cream cheese, ricotta), salad dressing and baked goods. In July 2007, the European Commission issued a health warning to its member states after high levels of dioxins were detected in a food additive - guar gum -