Biopolymer adhesives are adhesives made from biopolymers, which are polymers derived from living organisms. Examples of biopolymers that can be used to make adhesives include proteins, polysaccharides, and polyesters. Biopolymer adhesives are known for their strong adhesion, biodegradability, and environmentally friendly properties.
There are several types of biopolymer adhesives, including:
- Protein-based adhesives: These adhesives are made from proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. They are known for their high strength and good water resistance, but they can be expensive to produce and have limited shelf life.
- Polysaccharide-based adhesives: These adhesives are made from polysaccharides such as starch and dextrin. They are known for their low cost and good adhesive properties, but they can be sensitive to moisture and have limited shelf life.
- Polyester-based adhesives: These adhesives are made from polyesters such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). They are known for their good adhesion and environmental friendliness, but they can be expensive to produce and have limited temperature resistance.
Biopolymer adhesives are commonly used in applications where environmental sustainability is important, such as paper and packaging, as well as in construction and woodworking. They are also being explored as potential alternatives to synthetic adhesives in a variety of other applications.