Bone Glue

About This Product

Bone glue is produced by extracting collagen from degreased animal bone and hydrolysing it more extensively than gelatine, giving a lower molecular weight, lower Bloom, amber to dark brown product supplied as granules, pearls, cake or flake. Its continued use in conservation and instrument making is a deliberate choice rather than an anachronism. Modern synthetic adhesives form joints that are stronger than the wood itself and are effectively permanent; if such a joint has to be opened, the surrounding material is destroyed. Animal glue joints can be softened with heat and moisture and taken apart cleanly, and the old glue can be washed off and the joint reglued, which is precisely what furniture restoration and violin repair require. Its long open time when warm and its tendency to grab as it gels also suit hand assembly. Elsewhere it is used as a binder in abrasives, where its controlled brittleness allows a grinding wheel to release worn grit, in bookbinding, in gummed tapes and in match manufacture. It is hygroscopic and susceptible to microbial attack when wet. It is used in furniture and instrument making and restoration, abrasive wheel and paper binding, bookbinding, gummed tapes and in match and pyrotechnic manufacture. Bio Green Chem supplies bone glue to specification on Bloom or jelly strength, viscosity, moisture, ash, pH, colour and grease content.