EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF EXTRACTED MUCILAGE FROM ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (OKRA), CORCHORUS OLITORIUS L. (SALUYOT), AND BASELLA ALBA (ALUGBATI) FOR MAKING ALTERNATIVE GLUE

Abstract

Sustainable and environmentally friendly substitutes for synthetic glues have gained significant interest in recent years. This study investigated the potential of extracted mucilage from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Corchorus olitorius L. (saluyot), and Basella alba (alugbati) as alternative glue sources. Saluyot, okra, and alugbati are leafy vegetables commonly found in tropical regions and are known for their strong fibrous properties. The extracted mucilage was obtained through a simple extraction process using water as the solvent. The adhesive properties of the saluyot, okra, and alugbati glue were evaluated by testing its drying rate, durability, versatility, shelf life, smell, and texture. Results indicated that the seven extracted mucilage set-ups exhibited adhesive properties. The drying test revealed that okra had the longest drying time at room temperature among the seven mucilage extracts used as glue, while alugbati had the shortest. Additionally, tests on durability and versatility demonstrated strong adhesion to various materials, including paper, wood, and cloth. Further assessments were conducted to evaluate the durability of the okra, saluyot, and alugbati mucilage extract adhesives, including curing time and shelf life. The glue maintained its texture for a month but exhibited changes in smell after a week. This suggests opportunities for future studies to improve the formulation and address these limitations.