Gelatin

Glue is in fact impure gelatin, and any glue possessing suitable strength and appearance may be
termed gelatin.

Gelatin is a protein product prepared by partial hydrolysis of collagen.

Collagen is a protein that occurs in connective tissues (including skin, bones and cartilage) of
mammals in particular.

Chemical Structure of collagen

- Collagen consists of three polypeptide chains that intertwine tightly with one another to form
a highly stable triple-helix conformation. This high degree of organisation explains why
collagen has superior mechanical properties.
- When collagen is hydrolysed under heat, the triple-helix unwinds.
- As collagen is insoluble in water, the hydrolysis reaction is catalysed under acidic or basic
conditions. Two types of gelatin are obtained: Type A (acid hydrolysis) and Type B (base
hydrolysis).

Chemical Structure of gelatin

- Gelatin belong to that large and important group of nitrogen-containing colloidal organic
substances known as the proteins .
- The amino-acids exist in the gelatin molecule
- Gelatin and collagen exist as polypeptide chains, held together by hydrogen bonds between the
amino acids of adjacent chains.
- It is high-molecular polypeptide high polymer.
- Gelatins are found in nature as essential components of plants and animals and as products of
their metabolism.

Uses of gelatin:

1. Gelatin is biocompatible (non-toxic) and easily digestible. This makes it an incredibly useful
material for pharmaceutical applications.
2. These gels are specifically engineered to carry and deliver medication to a target location in
the body. Drug molecules are loaded into the pores of the gel matrix and subsequently
released in response to environmental stimuli like temperature and pH.
3. Gelatin is an essential ingredient for many adhesive manufacturers (gelatin-based glue).

Where is gelatin glue used?

- Gelatin can bond porous substrates like paper and fibres, but also smooth surfaces like glass,
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and PVC.
- It is often used in bookbinding applications, e.g. hardcover fabrication.

Gelatins are water-soluble protein substances.

How is gelatin used as glue?

- Figure.
- When the gelatin solution is cooled below the sol-gel transition temperature (approx. 35
°C), the polypeptide chains aggregat. Where the chains randomly coil are called amorphous.
- Gelatin hydrogels can hold an amount of water within their network without dissolving.
- The water phase prevents it from setting as a rigid solid.
- As soon as the temperature is raised above the gel-sol transition temperature, gelatin liquifies
once more.

The benefits of making glue from gelatin:

 Low cost: Manufacturing glue from gelatin is relatively inexpensive and its raw material is
easy to get.

 Eco-friendly: Unlike synthetic glue, gelatin glue is naturally derived and isn’t as harmful to
the environment because it is biodegradable.

 Sticks to a wide range of materials: Glue from gelatin will adhere to numerous substances
like wood, leather and paper.

 Exceptional cohesive strength: Gelatin glue has a low resistance to moisture, heat and
chemicals.

 Gelatin-based tackiness agents have very strong bonding force

 The adhesive property is good

 The intensity is high

 fast drying

 Easy to use

- Gelatin reacts with vinyl pyrrolidone, also can make a kind of medical solid adhesive.
- Gelatin and epoxy resin modification can improve water resisting property and viscosity.
Procedure

Video: https://youtu.be/8g2REE6z9V8?si=01blIVzFTudtAcbW

(1) Add 5 gm of gelatin into a beaker

(2) Add 20 ml of boiled water then stir until it's dissolved.

(3) Add 5 ml of white vinegar and 5 ml of glycerin.

(4) Mix well till obtaining good thickness of gelatin glue.

(5) Pour your glue into a lidded glass container. Glue should be used while it is still warm. For
future use, rewarm the glue by placing it in a container of warm water.

 The chemical reaction between gelatin and vinegar promotes the linkage of many
molecules of gelatin.
 Gelatin is mixed with glycerin to yield a compound liquid when hot, but which solidifies
on cooling.