65
Fish Gelatin and
Fish Glue
65.1. Introduction 65-1
65.2. Properties. 65-1
65.3. Applications 65-2
Remoistnable Coatings Gummed Tape» Photoresiss for
Photochemical Machining» Dyed Patterns on Glis + Ceramic
Sten letra! Insult
Coatings « Plating Release
Photographic Coatings » Gelatin Capeules
Robert E. Norland 65.4 Conclusion, 65-4
Norland Products, Ine References. 5-4
* Temporary Protective
nts Fish Gelatin in
65.1 Introduction
Fish gelatin, or fish glue, is a proteinaceous material extracted from the skins of deep cold-water fish
such as cod, haddock, and pollock. The skin and bone of all animals and fish contain collagen, which
can be hydrolyzed in hot water and dilute acid to form soluble gelatin.">
‘The difference between gelatin and glue is in the extent of processing. A gelatin processed for photo
graphic use would be exceptionally pure, of high molecular weight, and devoid of specific chemical
impurities. An edible gelatin would be free of heavy metals, microorganisms, and any impurity that
would make it unsuitable for human consumption. Inedible gelating oF glue does not require as much,
refining and is suitable for industrial or adhesive applications, where less stringent requirements are
found. Fish gelatin coatings are used in all these applications
65.2 Properties
Fish gelatin is long chain protein molecule containing 20 different amino acids. 1 is amphoteric; that
js, it can react as a base or acid. End groups include hydroxy, carboxy, and amino, Reactivity of each
group will depend on the pH of the gelatin solution. For example, the reaction of phthalic anhydride
With gelatin on the alkaline side will produce a gelatin that will precipitate at pH 4
Fish gelatin is insolubilized by the addition of salts of polyvalent cations such as ferric sulfate or chrome
alum. This principle finds use in the light sensitivity of fish gelatin coatings containing bichromates
‘The action of ultraviolet light on the bichromated gelatin results in the formation of polyvalent chromium,
ions that insolubilize the light-struck area, leaving the unexposed areas water soluble,
‘Aldehydes such as formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and glyoxal will insolubilize gelatin. The aldehydes
react with the amino end groups, and this occurs more quickly on the alkaline side.
65165.2 Coatings Technology Handbook, Third Edition
Fish gelatin solutions are liquid at room temperature and, hence, make good coating vehiles. Many
of the reactions above can be tailored so that water solutions can be coated and dried, and the dried.
coating then becomes insoluble,
Dried fish gelatin films are insoluble in organic solvents, but a water solution will tolerate water-
‘miscible solvents. The following ate tolerance levels of various solvents in 100 parts of 45% fish gelatin’
+ Acetone, 25 parts
+ Ethyl alcohol, 50 parts
+ Methyl cellusolve, 95 parts
+ Dimethylformamide, 110 parts
Dried fish gelatin coating will not soften at elevated temperatures and can withstand temperatures up
to 260°C. Baking a high temperatures (<275°C) will insolubiliz gelatin coatings, but they can be stripped.
with dilute caustic and by proteinaceous enzymes.
‘The following are typical properties of fish gelatin and glue’
“olor — clear, light amber
+ Solids — 45% in water
+ Viscosity at 20°C — 6000 to 8000 ep
+ Average molecular weight — 60,000 d
+ Gel point —5 10 10°C
+ Ash — 0.1%
+ pH 460054
65.3. Applications
65.3.1 Remoistenable Coatings: Gummed Tape
Fish glue coatings are excellent for gummed tape, labels, and tags. The dried coating wets very easily and
develops a tackiness that allows it to be bounded quickly to another surface. It is compatible with animal
tle and can be added to increase the latter's tackiness
‘The addition of a humectant will reduce eutl of the coated paper. Glycerine, sorbitol, oF glycols are
suitable. Use 5 to 10% based on dry weight.
65.3.2 Photoresists for Photochemical Machining
Photochemical machining involves the manufacture of thin metal parts using a photoresist to image an.
acid-resistant stencil on the metal sheet.” Photoengraving glue, a clarified fish gelatin i used as the base
for a water-soluble photoresist.’ The advantage over using a solvent-type organic photoresist isthe ease
of processing, as no organic solvents are required. Water solutions are used in the entite process. One
suggested formula consists of 100 parts by weight, photoengraving glue (45%) 10 pasts by weight
ammonium bichromate, and 125 to 200 parts by weight water.
‘The amount of water to be added can be varied to give a specific coating viscosity. A coating thickness
of 0.15 t0 0.25 mil (4 to 6 um) is sufficient for etching cold rolled stel, stainless steel, and copper up t0
10 mil thickness. This coating is sensitive to ultraviolet light (300 to 400 nm) and will have a shelf life
of 2 to 5 days, depending on solids and storage temperatures”
(Care must be taken in the use of ammonium bichromate. It is listed as a hazardous chemical, and
users must conform to environmental las. Untreated wastewater containing bichromate should not be
discharged into the sanitary sewer or any other water supply.
65.3.3, Dyed Patterns on Glass
Bichromated photoengraving flue images also have good adhesion to glass, These images can be dyed.
using anionic water-soluble dyes. The same formulation given above ean be used, but viscosities must,Fish Gelatin and Fish Glue 65.3
be reduced to obtain a thickness of 0.10 mil (2.5 um). Images of 10 jum wide or less are possible, and.
these can be reproduced very accurately.
For very fine reticles on glas, silver wash-off emulsions can be made using fish gelatin, Silver chloride
js precipitated in diluted fish gelatin by the dropwise addition of silver nitrate and sodium chloride. Upon
completion, the emulsion is precipitated by the addition of 10% polystyrene sulfonate based on dey
gelatin weight and adjustment to a pH 4. This precipitates the emulsion, and the remaining liquid
containing dissolved salts is poured off. The emulsion is redissolved by neutralizing and sensitized by
the addition of ammonium bichromate or an organic sensitizer such as 4,4"-diazidostilbene-2,2’—