Casein glue

What is casein glue?

Casein glue is a type of adhesive made from the milk protein casein. This glue is very durable for a long time and is highly water resistant. Its drying time allows it to accurately set the parts. Most modern glues are based on synthetic chemicals, casein glue is still used as a natural binder.

Casein glue has been used for thousands of years and is still used today in various applications. There are records showing that it was created and used by the ancient Egyptians. In the Middle Ages, it was used to bind thin panels into thicker plates on which artists could paint pictures. It is believed to have been used by the makers of famous musical instruments that lasted for centuries. It was widely used in woodworking, furniture making, and even to assemble early wooden airplanes.

What is this glue made from?

Casein glue is made from the protein casein, which is found in milk. To make such glue, casein is separated from milk and then mixed with an alkaline substance such as lime or borax. This mixture is then heated and sometimes mixed with other additives such as water, glycerin, or vinegar to improve its properties. The resulting glue is water-soluble and dries to a hard, strong, and durable bond.

The process of making this glue involves separating the casein protein from milk using an acid, typically vinegar or another food-grade acid. This acid coagulates the casein, causing it to separate from the liquid whey. The separated casein is then washed and dried to remove excess moisture.

Next, an alkaline substance such as lime or borax is added to the dried casein powder. This causes the casein protein molecules to swell and dissolve, forming a gel-like substance. The gel is then mixed with water to form a paste-like glue. The resulting casein glue is then ready to be applied to the surfaces that need to be bonded together.

Overall, casein glue is made from natural ingredients and is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to some synthetic adhesives.

The advantages of casein based glue

Casein glue has several advantages that make it a popular adhesive in various applications:

• Strong and durable bond: Casein glue forms a strong and durable bond, especially on porous surfaces like wood or paper. This makes it an effective adhesive for woodworking, bookbinding, and paper conservation.
• Water-resistant: Such glue dries to a hard and water-resistant finish, making it ideal for use in applications where exposure to moisture is likely.
• Non-toxic and biodegradable: Casein is a natural protein found in milk and is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to some synthetic adhesives.
• Easily available: Milk, which is the source of casein, is easily available, making casein glue a cost-effective option for many applications.
• Easy to work with: Such glue is easy to work with, as it can be mixed with water to create a paste-like consistency that can be easily applied to surfaces.
• Adaptable: This glue can be modified with additives such as glycerin or borax to improve its properties, such as flexibility or water resistance.
• Versatile: Casein glue can be used in a wide range of applications, including woodworking, paper and bookbinding, and food packaging.

In general, casein glue is a versatile and effective adhesive that offers several benefits over synthetic adhesives, such as being non-toxic, biodegradable, and water-resistant.

Application of casein glue

Casein based glue is used for gluing different materials. It is the most widely used in woodworking, paper and bookbinding, and other applications where a strong, durable, and water-resistant bond is required. So, it is an essential component in woodworking, plywood, and cardboard production. It is also used in the production of some food packaging, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Casein glue is also used in putties, putties, and alkali-resistant paints.

Agrocomplex produces casein-based components for the subsequent production of casein glue. Contact us for information on the components used in casein glue.