Properties of complexes of galactomannan of Leucaena leucocephala and Al3+, Cu2+ and Pb2+

The use of biopolymers in many industrial processes is on the increase. The different interactions of biopolymers and electrolytes either in aqueous solutions or in solid state provide different physico-chemical properties and a simple correlation cannot be established. In this study, in order to determine the properties of the complexes of galactomannan of Leucaena leucocephala (gal) with the metal ions Al3+ and Pb2+, toxic elements and Cu2+, essential, the logs of the binding constants of the complexes formed in the aqueous solutions were calculated. Their rheological properties, their thermal behavior, the infrared characteristics and shape and form of the films formed by those complexes in solid state were also determined. The aqueous solutions properties have shown a better complexation between gal and Al3+. The species distribution diagrams have shown an existence of complex species going from acidic to basic pH values. Infrared spectra have proved the complexations as well as the viscosity studies. Thermal stabilities in general were smaller in the complexed species than in the native biopolymers and the films obtained from aqueous solutions showed for Cu2+ the most different morphology compared to the biopolymer itself. A use can be suggested of this biopolymer in environmental remediations besides its already stablished industrial uses. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.