Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the Study

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable and non-toxic alternatives to

commercial adhesives, especially for DIY projects, educational activities, and arts and crafts.

Homemade glue, made from common ingredients like flour, water, sugar, and cornstarch, is

becoming a popular eco-friendly option (Jones & Lee, 2019). Unlike many commercial glues

that contain harmful chemicals and contribute to plastic waste, homemade glue is safer,

biodegradable, and non-toxic (Brown, 2020; Smith, 2021). This trend is particularly relevant

in educational settings where young children use glues for art projects and in environmental

circles focused on reducing plastic use (Williams & Harris, 2018).

The use of homemade glue dates back centuries, as it has been found in historical texts that

early civilizations created natural adhesives from plant-based materials (Dixon, 2013).

Modern interest in these alternatives has been fueled by the increasing environmental

consciousness of consumers and industries, seeking to reduce their reliance on harmful

chemicals and minimize waste. Studies such as those by Lee and Kim (2018) have shown that

homemade glues made from natural polymers like starch or flour exhibit adhesive properties

that can be effective in various applications, including craftwork, paper bonding, and minor

household repairs.

Homemade glues have broad applications in various fields. In arts and crafts, homemade glue

is often preferred for its low cost, accessibility, and non-toxic properties. Common uses
include scrapbooking, paper crafting, and model-making. In educational settings, homemade

glues are popular for arts and crafts projects, offering a safe and easy bonding solution for

young children (Matsui & Koizumi, 2018). Starch-based adhesives are also commonly used

in the packaging industry, particularly in the production of labels and light packaging

materials (Yang et al., 2019). In traditional bookbinding, gelatin-based and starch-based glues

are often used due to their flexible yet strong bonds (Zhao et al., 2020)

While homemade glue is praised for its simplicity and safety, less is known about how its

performance compares to commercial adhesives. Most research has concentrated on the basic

formulation of homemade glues and their suitability for light crafting (Khan et al., 2020).

However, there is limited information available regarding the environmental impact

homemade glues, especially in terms of their biodegradability, carbon footprint, and long-

term sustainability compared to widely used commercial adhesives like PVA.

Statement Of The Problem

1. What are the benefits of using homemade glue, how this help in the environment?

2. How can the properties of homemade glue can be compared to other glues?

3. How can the effectiveness of homemade glue be tested against commercial glues in terms

of bonding strength, durability, and drying time?

Hypotheses

Ho1. The benefits of homemade glue in the environment is abundant as it help

decrease deforestation.

Ho2. Their strength depends on how much strength booster is applied.

Ho3. Commercial glues are strong, but homemade glues, like cornstarch or flour paste,

work well for paper and crafts.

Significance of the Study

Students. Students can use homemade glues for school projects, scrapbooking, and artwork.

Office Workers.Office workers can use homemade glue for quick fixes, such as repairing

broken items, reattaching paper, or fixing minor equipment malfunctions without needing to

order specialized supplies.

Teachers. Teachers can use it for pasting things in their visual presentations.

Future Researchers. Results of this study will help future researchers in improving the study.

Scope And Limitation

This study focuses on the effects of homemade glue out of milk. The ingredients was

collected at the city of Tandag . The study is limited to the suitability for all types of

materials or projects, especially those requiring strong and permanent bonds. It only runs for

three months, which may not demonstrate the long-term effectiveness or durability of the

glue. External factors, such as environmental conditions during production or the type of

surface tested, are not controlled.

Homemade Glue

Homemade glues have been used for centuries, with various natural ingredients being utilized

to create adhesives suitable for light-duty applications. These glues, typically made from

easily accessible materials such as flour, cornstarch, and milk, provide an affordable and

environmentally friendly alternative to commercial adhesives, which often contain synthetic

chemicals and plastics.

Flour-based glue is one of the simplest and oldest homemade adhesives. It is typically made

by mixing flour with water and heating the mixture until it thickens into a paste. This type of

glue is widely used in arts and crafts, especially for paper and cardboard bonding. While it is

not as strong as commercial adhesives, it provides an adequate bond for lightweight materials

and is commonly used for temporary or low-stress applications (Williams & Jensen, 2014).

Despite its popularity, flour-based glue has several limitations. It is not waterproof and

weakens when exposed to moisture. Additionally, it is prone to mold growth if not stored

properly, which restricts its use to dry environments and short-term applications (Hall, 2016).

Cornstarch Glue

Cornstarch glue is made by dissolving cornstarch in water and heating it until it thickens. It

produces a smoother, more durable adhesive than flour-based paste, making it suitable for

paper crafts, scrapbooking, and light fabric bonding. This glue is also biodegradable and non-

toxic, which makes it ideal for educational settings (Singh & Gupta, 2018).However, like

flour-based glue, cornstarch glue is vulnerable to moisture and can lose its strength when
exposed to water. It also has a limited shelf life and needs to be stored in airtight containers to

prevent it from drying out or developing mold (Thomas & Patel, 2019).

Gelatin Glue

Gelatin glue, made by dissolving gelatin in hot water, forms a strong and flexible bond once

it cools. It is often used for paper crafts, bookbinding, and even some light woodworking.

Gelatin glue is valued in fine arts and book restoration for its ability to dry clear and remain

flexible (Patel & Kumar, 2020).

While gelatin glue offers excellent bonding strength, it is sensitive to temperature and can

become brittle when exposed to heat. Additionally, it is water-soluble, which limits its use in

environments where moisture or high humidity may be present (Brown & Lawrence, 2018).

Sugar Glue

Sugar glue is made by dissolving sugar in water and boiling it until it reaches a syrupy

consistency. This glue is transparent when dry, making it suitable for projects where the

adhesive should not be visible, such as model-making, cake decorating, and light crafts

(Adams & Jenkins, 2019).

However, sugar glue is prone to becoming brittle as it dries, and it is highly sensitive to

temperature and moisture. It is not ideal for long-term bonding or outdoor use because it may

crystallize or lose its adhesion properties in humid conditions (Schuster, 2017).

Milk-Based (Casein) Glue

Casein glue, derived from the protein in milk, is made by combining casein with an alkaline

substance like lime or borax. This glue is known for its strong, durable bond, making it

suitable for woodworking, bookbinding, and even some forms of textile bonding (Gupta &

Sharma, 2016). Casein glue dries to a hard finish, which makes it ideal for projects that

require rigidity.

However, casein glue is not suitable for bonding non-porous materials such as plastic or

metal, and it requires careful preparation. Additionally, casein glue can spoil if not stored

properly, particularly if exposed to moisture (Rossi & Wei, 2018).

Vinegar and Baking Soda Glue

Vinegar and baking soda glue is made by mixing vinegar with baking soda, which produces a

chemical reaction that forms a paste-like adhesive. This glue is primarily used in educational

settings to demonstrate chemical reactions, and it is safe and non-toxic for children to use in

craft projects (Johnson & Patel, 2020).

While the glue is easy to prepare and safe, it is not strong enough for high-stress applications.

It is best suited for temporary bonding or educational demonstrations, as it is water-soluble

and can lose its bonding properties when exposed to moisture (Vickers & Rawlins, 2017).

Egg White Glue (Albumin Glue)

Egg white glue, or albumin glue, is made from the protein in egg whites, which are whisked

into a frothy consistency and used as a bonding agent. This glue has been used for centuries

in art restoration, particularly in delicate projects like manuscript conservation, due to its

strong, flexible bond and clear drying properties (McKernan & Cartwright, 2018).
Albumin glue is ideal for use in fine art projects and book restoration, as it dries clear and

remains flexible. However, it has a limited shelf life and must be used quickly after

preparation, as it can spoil if not stored in cool conditions. It is not suitable for non-porous

materials and is best used with paper and fabric (McKernan & Cartwright, 2018).

Milk

Milk-based adhesives, particularly those derived from casein, have long been studied for their

bonding properties and applications in both historical and contemporary contexts. Casein, a

protein found in milk, has natural adhesive properties that have been utilized for various

purposes, including in bookbinding, woodworking, and other crafts (Stewart & Williams,

2015). Early studies demonstrate that casein, when mixed with an alkaline substance such as

sodium carbonate, forms a paste capable of bonding with materials like paper, fabric, and

wood (Hassan et al., 2017). This simple process, utilizing ingredients that are non-toxic and

biodegradable, offers an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic adhesives that often

contain harmful chemicals (Singh & Kumar, 2018).

Several researchers have explored the efficiency and sustainability of casein-based adhesives,

emphasizing their advantages in small-scale applications. Pérez (2020) highlights the

growing interest in green chemistry and sustainable materials, noting that milk-based

adhesives are a viable alternative to petroleum-derived adhesives, which are widely used in

industry. As consumers and industries seek more eco-conscious solutions, milk adhesives are

seen as a promising option due to their non-toxic nature and minimal environmental impact

(Pérez, 2020).

The historical significance of milk-based glues has also been well-documented. For centuries,

casein glue was the preferred adhesive in bookbinding and as a coating for various materials.
Its widespread use in these fields demonstrates the practicality and reliability of milk-based

adhesives before the rise of synthetic options (Stewart & Williams, 2015). Recent studies,

such as those by Banta (2014), have examined the historical and cultural importance of

casein-based glues, suggesting that they played a critical role in craftsmanship before the

industrial revolution brought about synthetic adhesives.

Despite its historical prominence, the use of milk-based glue has decreased in industrial

contexts due to the rise of more durable and cost-effective synthetic alternatives. However,

interest in milk-based adhesives remains strong in the fields of education, arts, and crafts,

where non-toxic and biodegradable materials are highly valued (Singh & Kumar, 2018). As

the sustainability movement gains momentum, there is renewed interest in reaching the

potential of milk-based adhesives for modern applications (Pérez, 2020).

 Chapter 3

Methodology

Research Design

This study utilized pretest-posttest experimental reaserch design. In this study, reaserchers

determined the strength of the Homemade Glue using Milk by time interval.

Sampling Design

This research utilized the Non-Probability Time-Based Sampling in producing the glue at

Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur.

Data Gathering Procedure

A. Collection and Preperation of Materials

The ingredients and the materials for the exprimant was prepared at Special Science

Elementary School at Time in the morning. The materials and ingredients was then prepared

afterwards for the experiment.