Gum arabic - Binder for inks
Gum arabic is also known as acacia gum or E414. This is the plant sap of the SenegalAcacia (Acacia senegal) and the Seyal Acacia(Acacia seyal), which are native to the Sahel zone.
If the bark of the trees is injured, then large resin-like nodules are formed from the sap of the plant to close the wound. The process is also known as gum flow.
To obtain gum arabic, the two African acacia species are incised so that the tree produces the acacia gum to close the gap again. This process takes about three to eight weeks.
Chemically, gum arabic is a carbohydrate polymer, a complex mixture of polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, arabinogalactan and glycoproteins, which is also highly variable. Depending on the origin, whether Senegal acacia or Seval acacia, the glycan components may vary.
What can you do with gum arabic?
The Egyptians already used this natural thickener for embalming their deceased and for treating viral infections.
Today, gum arabic is a valued filler used primarily in the food industry, ranging from confectionery, beverages such as lemonade, but also beer.
Special uses for gum arabic include gumming paper, as in stamps, or binding pigments for artists' paints. The special uses of gum arabic do not stop there.
Would you like to make your own writing ink with gum arabic?
- 100 g Gum arabic tears
- High quality resin nodules
- Non-toxic and easy to use binder
Writing with ink today is not a relic from ancient times, but something for someone who has style and attaches importance to the special. With pen and ink you express your special appreciation to the addressee.
How do you make iron gall ink?
- 50 g of gall apples boiled in 500ml of water.
- Add ferrous sulfate II (Can be bought as a powder in the pharmacy and use only under protective measures).
- Mix in 20 g of gum arabic as a binder.
At the beginning, the ink is only faintly colored. Over time, oxidation forms a very durable, varnish-like oxidation. It darkens and becomes almost black.
You should not draw your homemade ink in fountain pens, but use it ONLY for nibs or quills.
With the gum arabic you complete the ingredients to make your own ink and who can do that? Only one click is missing!
Forum Traiani ® registered trademark
