Blood glue
Description
A water-resistant glue used in the early 20th century. Dried blood was obtained from cattle or hog slaughter houses then sold as a water-soluble dark red powder. It contains serum, albumin, and globulin. The powder is dissolved in water, then activated by the addition of an alkali, such as lime slaked lime, (wood) ashes, and/or alum. This forms a dark color adhesive that dries to a water-resistant film. Blood glue has been used as plywood adhesive, as a paint for brickwork, and as an adhesive for filling joints between brick and building stones.
Synonyms and Related Terms
cola de albmina (Esp.); colle l'albumine (Fr.); blood cement; blood albumen glue; blood albumin glue;
Other Properties
Initially soluble in water (pH = 7.8).
Hazards and Safety
Dried powder can develop a strong static charge. Will produce dark, insoluble stains on cellulose.
Additional Information
J.Hubbard, "Animal Glues" in Handbook of Adhesives, I.Skeist (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1977, p.172-180.
Authority
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "adhesive" Encyclopdia Britannica [Accessed February 12, 2002]
- Irving Skeist, Irving Skeist, Handbook of Adhesives, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, 1977
- Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000