Answer to Question #30367 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Jeremy

Question

I’ve developed a soap bubble solution (like the kind kids play with, but for making giant soap bubbles) and I want to store it in a concentrate form, to be diluted later. I’m using 6.5 g. of guar gum powder and 7 g. baking powder per 7 fl. Oz. of Dawn Professional Manual Pot & Pan Dishwashing Detergent, which is to be diluted into 1 gallon of water.
The resulting diluted solution is perfect, however, when stored in its concentrated state, the guar gum and baking powder settle out of the detergent within a day or two, leaving a layer of sediment at the bottom of the bottle, which must be mixed back into the detergent before dilution.
How can I keep this from occurring, while still maintaining a pourable, fluid consistency? I really need a shelf stable, uniform, concentrate solution that won’t separate!

Answer 1

Probably, guar gum reacts with some of other components and precipitates.
It is known, that guar gum dissolves better in water in presence of sodium chloride, especially if they’re mixed in solid state before the dissolution. You can try such technique.
What is the function of baking powder in your system? It shouldn’t increase any properties of such solution. Try not to use it, and check what will happen.
If it’s possible, add some water to the concentrate (about 50% from the volume of the concentrate).
Try to use another dish detergent; maybe guar gum reacts with certain components of this detergent.