Chañar Brea Gum as a Paper Adhesive

Chañar brea gum exhibits properties that make it a promising material for paper adhesion. As the concentration of chañar brea gum (CBG) in solution increases, the following key changes are observed in its properties, which are relevant to its use as an adhesive. The surface tension (σ) decreases with increasing gum concentration. Viscosity (η) increases dramatically with increasing chañar brea gum concentration. While higher viscosity is often desirable for many adhesives, excessive viscosity, as may be observed at very high concentrations, can hamper application. However, adequate viscosity is crucial to ensure initial bond strength, as it allows for the formation of a uniform layer and prevents excessive penetration into porous substrates. A concentration of 10% wt. by weight offers this balance. Surface adsorption (Γ2(1)) increases linearly with gum concentration, indicating that higher interfacial adsorption is crucial for the formation of an effective adhesive layer. The contact angle (θ) increases slightly with concentration; although a lower contact angle typically indicates better wetting, the increase is marginal (from 88° ± 4 for water to 99° ± 4 for 30% wt.), so wetting is still acceptable. Chañar brea gum exhibits good surface adsorption capacity and reduced surface tension, which favors interaction with the paper surface. The adhesive strength of chañar brea gum (CBG) clearly depends on its concentration, increasing from 6.36 ± 0.22 MPa (at 5% wt.) to a significant maximum of 50.24 ± 1.19 MPa at a concentration of 10% wt. The decrease in adhesive strength at concentrations above 10% wt. by weight is an important aspect to consider in order to optimize its performance as a paper adhesive. Therefore, intermediate concentrations, such as 10% wt., offer the most favorable balance of properties for achieving good adhesive performance.