Water-based adhesives are classified into four categories: vegetable, resinous, animal or protein, and latex cements. They are solvent-free and safe to use in confined spaces. The most popular is white glue or wood glue. Each type has its own characteristics and uses, and careful consideration is needed to choose the best adhesive for a particular task.
Water-based adhesive glue classified into one of the following four categories: vegetable glues, resinous cements, animal or protein glues and latex cements. Each of the different types has its own characteristics. Depending on the formulation, the adhesive can give a hard resin finish or a tacky finish. In general, these adhesives are solvent-free, making them safe to use in confined spaces and areas that may not be well-ventilated, such as classrooms. The most popular water-based adhesive is white glue or wood glue.
Vegetable glue is a common type of water-based adhesive. These glues have a starch base and a brittle finish. Commonly used for book binding, this adhesive has a brown color and a reputation as a long-lasting, durable bond to paper. Plant-based adhesive is more likely to crack when exposed to water.
Another water-based adhesive is resin cement. Resin cements are emulsions, mixtures of non-mixable liquids. With resin cements, polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) are emulsified and placed in water, which acts as a carrier. While resin cements are white when wet, they dry clear and are relatively flexible. Resin cements are useful for bonding some plastics, paper and wood.
Animal substances and proteins are also used to make water-based adhesives. These glues use animal parts specially processed to make hot melt animal glue or animal milk, which is used to make casein glue. Hot animal glue is used at 140°F (about 60°C) and is brown in color. This water-based adhesive is used when a quick setting application is required. Casein glue is used to label wine and beer bottles due to its resistance to moisture.
Latex cements are composed of emulsified elastomers. These water-based adhesives are usually white in color and are usually applied to one part and allowed to dry. Depending on the formulation, the adhesive may remain tacky or dry into a solid bond. Often used for self-adhesive envelopes and stamps, latex cements are also used to bond fabrics and leather goods.
The main benefit of using a completely solvent-free water-based adhesive is the elimination of volatile and combustible materials. This reduces the risk of fire and explosion, especially during the manufacturing process and for industrial use adhesives. Eliminating the solvents in the adhesive also reduces the toxicity of the adhesive; however, manufacturing water-based adhesives generates more wastewater and uses more energy than its solvent-based counterpart. Deciding on the most useful adhesive for a particular use requires careful consideration of the advantages and limitations of all available adhesives.
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