Animal glue, also known as gelatin, is one of the most common adhesives used in food, pharmaceutical and other industries. It is derived from collagen, the main protein that makes up the connective tissue in the bones, skin and cartilage tissues of animals.
The process of making animal glue begins by processing animal raw materials such as bones, skin or pig feet. They are soaked in water to remove excess fats and other contaminants, then treated in an acidic environment to break down the collagen and release the gelatin. After this, the gelatin is filtered and cleared of impurities, then dried and turned into powder or sheets.
Animal glue has many uses in the food industry, including as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and preservative. It is used to make jellies, marmalades, candies, meat products, soups and sauces, and in the production of capsules for medicines.
In addition, animal glue is used in cosmetics, medical and other industries. It can be used to produce plastic materials, adhesives, capsule and tablet coatings, and medical sutures and patches.
Animal glue has a number of advantages over other types of glues. It is cheap and readily available and has high adhesion and moisture retention properties. It is also biodegradable, making it more environmentally friendly than many other types of adhesives.
However, animal glue also has some disadvantages. For example, it has limited strength and is not suitable for use in high temperature or humid environments. In addition, it may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Overall, animal glue is an important and widely used product in various industries. It has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of its use depends on the specific requirements of the production.