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IS 852:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for animal glue for general wood-working purposes -specification. This standard specifies the requirements, sampling, and testing methods for animal glue used in general woodworking and joinery. While largely superseded by synthetic adhesives in modern construction, this code remains relevant for specialized applications like antique furniture restoration, instrument making, and traditional crafts.
Animal Glue For General Wood-Working Purposes -Specification
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Products
Type
Specification
International equivalents
Practical Notes
! Animal glue is reversible using heat and moisture, which is a highly desirable property in antique restoration but unsuitable for exterior or high-moisture environments.
! The glue must be prepared in a temperature-controlled glue pot to prevent degrading the proteins through overheating.
woodanimal glueadhesive
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS 745:1969British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for Animal Glue for Wood
Both specify requirements for animal-derived glues intended for woodworking applications.
MMM-A-100dU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
HighWithdrawn
Adhesive, Animal Glue
Covers dry animal glue for general-purpose use, including woodworking.
DIN 53260Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), Germany
HighWithdrawn
Glues; Animal Glues, Grades, Technical Conditions of Delivery
Specified grades and technical requirements for animal glues, similar to the IS code's purpose.
Key Differences
≠IS 852:1994 classifies glue into three grades (1, 2, 3) based on jelly strength and viscosity ranges. Historical standards like MMM-A-100d used a more granular alphabetical grading system (e.g., Grade A, B, etc.) with different specific value ranges for Bloom strength and viscosity.
≠The maximum permissible moisture content varies. IS 852:1994 allows up to 15%, whereas the withdrawn BS 745:1969 allowed up to 16% and MMM-A-100d allowed up to 17%.
≠While all standards test for pH, the acceptable range differs slightly. IS 852 specifies a tight range of 6.5 to 7.5, whereas the US Federal Specification MMM-A-100d permitted a slightly broader range of 6.0 to 7.5.
≠IS 852:1994 is still an active Indian Standard, whereas its direct international counterparts (BS 745, MMM-A-100d) were withdrawn decades ago, reflecting a global shift towards synthetic adhesives for general woodworking.
Key Similarities
≈All standards identify jelly strength (measured in Bloom grams) and viscosity as the two primary performance indicators for grading and quality control of animal glue.
≈The fundamental test methods are analogous. For example, all standards use a gelometer (like the Bloom gelometer) to test jelly strength on a standardized percentage solution (typically 12.5%) at a controlled temperature (10°C).
≈The scope of all standards is fundamentally the same: to specify the physical and chemical properties of glue derived from animal hide, bone, or sinew for the purpose of bonding wood.
≈All standards recognize that the glue can be supplied in various physical forms, including cakes, flakes, pearls, or powder, without affecting the required technical properties.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Jelly Strength (Grade 1/High)
Grade 1: > 251 g
Grade A: 340 - 395 g
MMM-A-100d
Viscosity (Grade 1/High)
Grade 1: > 80 mP (at 60°C, 12.5% soln)
Grade A: 125 - 145 mP (at 60°C, 12.5% soln)
MMM-A-100d
Moisture Content (Max)
15.0%
16.0%
BS 745:1969
pH of solution
6.5 to 7.5
6.0 to 7.5
MMM-A-100d
Ash Content (Max)
3.0%
3.5%
BS 745:1969
Shear Strength on wood joint (Min)
11.0 MN/m² (approx 1595 psi)
19.3 MPa (2800 psi)
MMM-A-100d
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values0
No quick reference values available for this code yet.
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
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Key Clauses
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Frequently Asked Questions3
What is the primary advantage of animal glue in woodworking?+
Its reversibility. Joints bonded with animal glue can be disassembled later using heat and steam, making it essential for antique restoration.
How is animal glue graded?+
It is generally graded by its jelly strength (Bloom value) and viscosity, which dictate the open time and structural strength of the bond.
Is animal glue water-resistant?+
No, animal glue is highly susceptible to moisture and should only be used for interior woodworking and joinery applications.