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 Slaked lime, 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 albúmina (Esp.); colle à l'albumine (Fr.); blood cement; blood albumen glue; blood albumin glue;

Physical and Chemical Properties

Initially soluble in water (pH = 7.8).

Risks

• Dried powder can develop a strong static charge.
• Will produce dark, insoluble stains on cellulose.

Resources and Citations

• J.Hubbard, "Animal Glues" in Handbook of Adhesives, I.Skeist (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1977, p.172-180.

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "adhesive" [Accessed February 12, 2002]

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000