Ask AI: What are some natural adhesives? Please include a list of examples, where to find them, and compare their pros and cons.

Natural adhesives are substances that can be used to bond materials together and are derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources. Here is a list of examples, where to find them, and their pros and cons: 1. Starch-based adhesives: - Sources: Grains (corn, wheat, rice, potatoes), roots, and other plant materials. - Pros: Abundant, renewable, non-toxic, and biodegradable. - Cons: Limited bonding strength, sensitive to water and humidity, and longer drying times. 2. Cellulose-based adhesives: - Sources: Wood, cotton, hemp fiber, and other plant materials. - Pros: Wide availability, renewable, biodegradable, and good bonding strength depending on the formulation. - Cons: Sensitive to water and humidity, requires complex processing for maximum effectiveness. 3. Casein-based adhesives: - Sources: Milk protein by-products (e.g. cheese production). - Pros: Good bonding strength, water-resistant, and biodegradable. - Cons: Production may have adverse environmental impacts (livestock farming); possible allergens; and limited availability. 4. Animal-based adhesives (e.g., hide glue or bone glue): - Sources: Animal by-products such as hide, bones, and fish. - Pros: Good bonding strength, water-resistant (when dry), and versatile. - Cons: Not vegan friendly, potential odor issues, limited shelf-life, and requires heating for application. 5. Latex-based adhesives: - Sources: Natural rubber trees, primarily Hevea brasiliensis. - Pros: Renewable, strong bonding, water-resistant, and quick-drying. - Cons: Possible allergens, low heat resistance, and potential environmental concerns from the rubber industry. 6. Resin-based adhesives (e.g., pitch or rosin): - Sources: Tree sap (pine, spruce, fir) and plant resins (amber, copal, dammar). - Pros: Strong bonding, water-resistant, and versatile for various applications. - Cons: Potentially hazardous fumes during application, limited availability, and may be more difficult to handle due to their sticky nature. 7. Beeswax-based adhesives: - Sources: Beeswax, a natural secretion from honeybees. - Pros: Non-toxic, biodegradable, and adheres well to various surfaces. - Cons: Lower bonding strength, sensitive to heat, vulnerable to pests (e.g., wax moths), and limited availability. When considering a natural adhesive, it is essential to evaluate its compatibility with the materials being bonded, the application environment, and personal preferences (e.g., veganism, sensitivity to allergens).