Preparation of Adhesive from Cassava Starch and Evaluation of its Physicochemical Properties

Adhesives can be used as sealing agents, to eliminate the effect of self-loosening caused by dynamic loads, sealing of areas to prevent oxidation and corrosion, waterproofing, and so on. The aim of the present study is to prepare an adhesive from fresh cassava roots and to evaluate its physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity, and pH. Adhesives are prepared by mixing starch, hydrochloric acid, and borax. Three samples of adhesives were prepared by mixing various proportions (S1: 5 g starch, 100 mL hydrochloric acid and 5 g borax; S2: 8 g starch, 100 mL hydrochloric acid and 5 g borax; S3: 5 g starch, 120 mL hydrochloric acid and 8 g borax). The physicochemical properties of prepared adhesives were compared with commercial adhesive and S2 was found to have properties closer to the commercial adhesive. Hence, it could be concluded that an increase in starch content by 60% could improve the properties of adhesives.