The adhesives industry is a sector of the manufacturing industry that produces adhesives, glues, and sealants for a wide range of applications. Adhesives are substances used to bind two or more surfaces together, and they can be made from a variety of materials such as natural rubber, starch, synthetic polymers, and epoxy resins. The industry produces adhesives for a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, packaging, textiles, and electronics.
Tapioca starch
Tapioca starch is a type of carbohydrate extracted from the cassava root. When tapioca starch is mixed with water, it forms a paste that can act as an adhesive due to its unique properties.
The adhesive properties of tapioca starch are due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other materials. When tapioca starch is mixed with water, the starch molecules begin to swell and absorb water, causing the mixture to thicken and form a gel-like substance. This gel-like substance can then be used as an adhesive.
The adhesive properties of tapioca starch can be enhanced by heating the mixture. As the mixture is heated, the starch molecules begin to break down, releasing amylose and amylopectin, two types of starch molecules. Amylose is a long, linear molecule that can form strong bonds with other materials, while amylopectin is a highly branched molecule that can increase the viscosity of the mixture, making it more adhesive.
In addition to its adhesive properties, tapioca starch is also biodegradable and non-toxic, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic adhesives. It is commonly used in the production of paper products, textiles, and food packaging.
Applications
Tapioca starch is commonly used as an adhesive in a variety of industries, including paper and packaging, textiles, and woodworking. It is also used in the production of gummed tape, corrugated board, gypsum wallboard, paper sack, labels, and stickers. Additionally, tapioca starch can be used as a binder in the production of insulation materials, such as fiberglass, and in the production of particle board and plywood.
Paper industry
Tapioca starch is used in the paper industry as a binder and surface sizing agent. As a binder, it is added to the paper pulp to increase the strength and cohesion of the fibers. It helps to hold the fibers together during the paper-making process and also improves the paper’s tear resistance and folding endurance.
As a surface sizing agent, tapioca starch is applied to the surface of the paper after it has been formed. It helps to improve the paper’s surface strength, water resistance, and ink absorbency. It also helps to prevent the ink from bleeding or feathering, which is important for high-quality printing applications.
Tapioca starch is preferred in the paper industry due to its high viscosity and film-forming properties. It is also considered to be a more environmentally friendly option compared to synthetic binders and sizing agents.
Packaging
Tapioca starch can be used in packaging as a biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Tapioca starch-based materials are known for their good mechanical properties, flexibility, and water resistance.
In packaging applications, tapioca starch is typically combined with other natural polymers such as cellulose, chitosan, or alginate, to improve its performance properties. The resulting materials can be used for a range of applications including food packaging, disposable tableware, and bags.
Tapioca starch can also be used in the production of adhesive tapes used in packaging. Its strong adhesive properties and compatibility with other natural adhesives make it an attractive option for use in eco-friendly packaging products.