Description and references
Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach., Parmeliaceae, a lichen growing in all northern countries.
Exported from Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The gum from the powdered
plant appears to be a hemicellulose contg uronic acid, galactose,
mannose, and glucose; cf. Mantell, The Water-Soluble
Gums, New York, 1947.
Properties
About 60% of dried Iceland moss dissolves when
boiled with water contg a little sodium bicarbonate. The soln forms
a jelly when cold.Use
Manuf sea biscuits which are somewhat more resistant
to weevil infestation than when wheat flour alone is used. In foods
for convalescents. Manuf sizing agents for rayon; hair-setting lotions,
other cosmetics.