How to Make Industrial Starch Glue for Corrugated Board: Manufacturing Guide

Corn starch glue is the most widely used adhesive in corrugated board manufacturing worldwide. This guide covers the industrial production process, from raw materials to finished adhesive ready for the corrugating line.

Understanding Corn Starch Glue

Corn starch glue (also called maize starch adhesive) is a water-based adhesive made primarily from corn starch. When heated, the starch gelatinizes and forms a strong bond between paper layers. It's the preferred choice for corrugated packaging due to its low cost, excellent performance, and environmental friendliness.

Key Properties of Industrial Corn Starch Glue

Gel temperature: 58-68°C (adjustable by formulation)

Viscosity: 30-60 seconds (Stein-Hall cup)

Solid content: 18-25%

pH: 11-12 (traditional) or 6.5-7.5 (alkali-free)

Shelf life: 8-24 hours (prepared adhesive)

Raw Materials Required

1. Corn Starch (Primary Component)

Industrial grade corn starch, 12-13% moisture

Native (unmodified) starch for carrier portion

Quality affects final adhesive performance

2. Water

Clean, soft water preferred

Temperature affects mixing and cooking

Typically 70-80% of final adhesive weight

3. Caustic Soda (Traditional Formula)

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Lowers gelatinization temperature

5-8% of starch weight

Note: Alkali-free formulas eliminate this

4. Borax (Optional)

Increases tack and viscosity

Improves wet bond strength

2-3% of starch weight

Traditional Stein-Hall Manufacturing Process

The Stein-Hall method creates a two-phase adhesive with carrier starch and raw starch

Step 1: Prepare Carrier Starch

Mix 15-20% of total starch with water

Heat to 75-85°C with stirring

Cook until fully gelatinized (clear paste)

This becomes the 'carrier' that suspends raw starch

Step 2: Add Caustic Soda

Cool carrier slightly (below 50°C)

Add caustic soda solution slowly

Mix thoroughly for 5-10 minutes

Caustic swells starch granules

Step 3: Add Raw Starch

Add remaining 80-85% of starch

Mix in cool water first (slurry)

Add slurry to carrier with stirring

Raw starch remains uncooked

Step 4: Add Borax (Optional)

Dissolve borax in warm water

Add to adhesive with mixing

Check viscosity and adjust

Step 5: Quality Control

Check viscosity (Stein-Hall cup)

Verify gel temperature

Test on corrugator before production

Modern Alkali-Free Method

Alkali-free adhesive powders (like Xuegong's Easy Glue) simplify the process dramatically

Step 1: Add Water

Measure water according to ratio (typically 1:3 to 1:4 powder:water)

Use room temperature water

Step 2: Add Adhesive Powder

Add powder slowly while mixing

Continue mixing 15-20 minutes

Step 3: Add Starch

Add corn starch as specified

Mix until uniform

Step 4: Ready to Use

No cooking required

No caustic soda handling

Check viscosity and adjust if needed

Equipment for Adhesive Preparation

Mixing tank (stainless steel, 500-2000L)

High-speed mixer or agitator

Steam heating system (traditional method)

Viscosity cup (Stein-Hall type)

Thermometer

pH meter

Storage/transfer pumps

Quality Control Parameters

| Parameter | Target Range | Test Method |

| Viscosity | 30-60 sec | Stein-Hall cup |

| Gel Temperature | 58-62°C | Hot plate test |

| Solid Content | 18-25% | Drying method |

| pH | 11-12 or 6.5-7.5 | pH meter |

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Viscosity too high: Add water gradually

Viscosity too low: Add more starch slurry

Gel temperature too high: Increase caustic (traditional) or use different powder grade

Poor bond strength: Check starch quality, adjust formula

Xuegong offers complete corn starch glue solutions, from traditional formulations to modern alkali-free adhesive powders. Contact us for technical support and product recommendations.