This document discusses options for selecting starch adhesives for corrugated boxes. It covers various types of adhesives including raw materials, physical forms, pH levels and gum preparation methods. Quality parameters for adhesives like viscosity, stability and pH are explained. The process of selecting an appropriate adhesive based on production needs is outlined. Current trends toward higher performance adhesives are noted. Finally, steps to produce dry board even in rainy conditions are provided, such as controlling paper and board moisture levels and using high solids adhesives.

1. 1
Selection of Starch Adhesives
for Corrugated Box
B.V. Bhaskar Reddy

2. 2
objective
 The objective of presentation is to
appraise you of various adhesive
options available as on date and
choosing appropriate one with the
help of quality parameters.
 How to get dry board in monsoon
season.

3. 3
Main Topics
 Various types of Adhesives
 Quality parameters
 Process of Adhesive Selection
 Current trends in Adhesives
 Possibility of manufacturing dry
board in monsoon season.

4. 4
Starch Adhesive Options
 Raw material used
Tapioca Starch
Maize / Corn Starch
 Physical form
Ready to use Liquid Adhesives
Powder Adhesives
 pH of Glue
High pH of 11-14
Neutral pH of 7-8
 Gum preparation
Hot process
Cold water Mixing process
 Water mix ratio / Solids
Water mix Ratio % of Solids
1:5 & more 16 and less
1:4 20
1:3 25
1:2 33%

5. 5
Quality Parameters
 Viscosity - Resistance to flow is termed as viscosity. For
Pasting and Corrugation Adhesives B-4 cup is used for
measuring. It is measured in Sec. Viscosity has to be constant
irrespective of solids.
 Stability – Glue needs be stable during pot life period. There
should not be any seperation , thinning or thickening.
 pH – This indicate alkalinity of glue. High pH may not be
compatible with some papers due to presence of reactive dyes
used in kraft for maintaining specific shade. Digital pH meters
are used for checking this parameter
 Solids- Refractomere is used to test the solids present in the
glue ( Pasting Glue). Oven are used to determine the solids in
case of Corrugation Glue.

6. 6
Process of Adhesive Selection
 Assess need for high tack adhesives ( Tapioca / Maize)
 Availability of Glue mixing facility ( liquid /Powder , Hot/ cold)
 willingness of workers to wear gloves ( High pH/ Low pH)
 Depending up on the paper GSM and other parameters decide the
solids to be used
 Again on the basis of Kraft Paper choose appropriate viscosity.
 Check compatibility of adhesive with paper and special requirement.

7. 7
Current Trends in Adhesives
Need for high performing adhesives has come from following
developments in Corrugation industry
 Increased Machine speeds and production level
 Quality parameters like PR & CS are increasingly
demanded
 Need for fast drying from logistics point of view
 Increase of Micro Flute applications.
There is an increasing tendency to use very high solids at low
viscosity. Hybrid adhesives are being used for faster speed
and better bonding. This is especially true in case of 3/5 ply
Automatic plant applications.

8. 8
Possibility of producing dry
board in monsoon season
Following steps will help to great extent in getting dry board even on rainy day after sheet
pasting.
 Paper moisture before entering single facer to be 6-7%. If it is more run pre-heaters
 Ensure Single Facer roller temperature to be not less than 130 to 140 degrees
centigrade where the web is running. You can check with infrared thermometer.
Temperature difference across the roller should not be more than 5 degrees.
 Moisture of 2 ply board should be around 7.5% after coming out of S/F. Adjust the
machine speed to arrive at this level.
 Use high solids ( 20 and above) in pasting glue and consumption should not be more
than 40 grams per Square meter area( 120 to 180 gsm).
 Total consumption of Corrugation and Pasting glue should be below 3% in powder
( 20% solids) or 15% in liquid adhesives.
Strict adherence to above process should help in getting dry board ( 9 % around moisture)
even on rainy day in 1-4 hrs.

9. 9
Thank you for your attention
Note: The conclusions are approximation of
observations at customers place and may
differ with some corrugators experience.

10. 9
Thank you for your attention
Note: The conclusions are approximation of
observations at customers place and may
differ with some corrugators experience.