For companies in the corrugated cardboard industry, finding the right kind of glue is essential for success. Many of these businesses are seeing the benefits of adhesives with special starch additives. Let’s look at what starch glue is, explore its benefits and discover how it can be improved.
What are Starches?
Starch is a white powder taken from plant materials. When mixed with water it can be an excellent thickening agent and it makes cost effective glue. It is easy to make this adhesive into a paste and it can be used at room temperature or heated to as high as 60 C (140F). Here are some of the benefits associated with glue made from starches:
* Natural – comes from plant and vegetable carbohydrates
* Easy to clean – no special solvents or chemicals required for cleanup
* Can be created in a large range of thicknesses (viscosities)
* Cost effective
* No strong odors or smells – chemical based glues can be toxic to breathe and unpleasant.
* Safe – will not harm or burn skin
Making the Adhesive Better
Starch based adhesives are a good choice for many reasons. However, they can be improved with the right ingredients. For example, by adding starch reducing ingredients, adhesion is improved while remaining an eco friendly choice. Moisture can actually dissolve standard starch glues. Some ingredients help to make the adhesive resistant to water, so moisture does not affect it. Here are a few of the benefits these special starch additives can provide:
* Less starch required for adhesive formulas
* Better bonding on substrates
* Water resistance
* Less warping caused by wet adhesives
* Stable and does not require constant mixing
Modern starch additives are FDA approved and can greatly lower your adhesive costs. For best results, choose an experienced supplier with a reputation for innovative solutions and quality products and service.
