Adhesives and Sealants Starting Point Formulation

Waterproof Casein Adhesive

Applicable Type Waterborne Adhesives, Natural-based Adhesives

Applicable Base Polymer

Casein

Applicable Industrial Sectors

INDUSTRIAL ASSEMBLY, LABELS / SIGNS / DECALS, TAPES, WOOD & RELATED INDUSTRIES

TYPICAL FORMULATION INGREDIENTS AND PROPERTIES Ingredient Casein Urea Water Mix 10 mins Sodium fluoride Borax Mix 10 mins PROCESSING
The glue is ready to use when mixed. It has a working life of about 8-10 hours depending on ambient conditions. It can be used to produce wood laminates of near exterior quality.

Parts by weight (%) 100 80 100 5 10

APPLICABLE BASE POLYMER PROPERTIES

Casein is produced by acidifying milk and precipitating out the casein product. Casein has been used for many years as a wood adhesive. Casein glues are naturally gap filling and are satisfactory to use in bondline thickness up to about 0.08 cm.

RESULTING PROPERTIES
The glues have poor resistance to water, chemicals, and mold growth. However, these properties may be improved through the use of additives. Although they cannot be used outdoors, casein adhesives are resistant to dry heat up to 70C. Resistance to organic solvents is also generally considered to be good. The formulation above provides for a waterproof casein adhesive by virtue of the addition of urea. It can be used, for example, as a waterproof label for glass bottles.

TIPS & TRICKS

Viscosity of casein adhesive can be regulated by pH using diluted hydrochloric acid.