Throughout history, people all over the world have hypothesised, experimented, made empirical observations, gathered evidence, recognised patterns, verified through repetition, and made inferences and predictions to help them to make sense of the world around them and their place within it. Recent research and discussion have confirmed many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups use the environment and its resources to solve the challenges they face in the different Australian climates in ways that are more sustainable than similar materials produced in Western society. Their solutions can be explained by a variety of organic and non-organic chemical processes.

Questions that may be explored in this investigation include:

· How do Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples’ glue formulations parallel the use of modern epoxy resins, and how sustainable are the chemical processes involved in producing these materials?

Fixatives are important in the preservation of paintings to ensure that the paint remains fixed to the surface. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples understand the physical properties of natural materials, such as water resistance and finishing effects, that can be used as fixatives for paints. The suitability of a fixative depends on the materials that are used to manufacture paint and the surface to which it must adhere.

The Tiwi Peoples use the sap from various plants, including the green plum, to fix paints to wooden implements such as musical instruments. The sap acts as a fixative and ensures that the colours of the pigments remain strong and vibrant. The Ngaatjatjarra Peoples of the Central Desert region in Western Australia use emu fat as a fixative for rock paintings; the hydrophobic property of the fat protects the painting from water damage. Resin from plants, such as grass tree and spinifex, is also insoluble in water and has long been used to fix paint to wooden implements. 

Read the rest at the source.

The Australian curriculum. (n.d.). The Australian Curriculum (Version 8.4). https://australiancurriculum.edu.au/TeacherBackgroundInfo?id=56454

How do Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples’ glue formulations parallel the use of modern epoxy resins, and how sustainable are the chemical processes involved in producing these materials?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a rich history of using natural materials, including various types of glues, for a wide range of purposes. These traditional glue formulations can be seen to parallel the use of modern epoxy resins in some ways, particularly in terms of their adhesive properties and applications. However, it's important to note that the specific formulations and methods used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples vary across different regions and communities, so there is no single "Aboriginal glue" formulation.

Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander glues were often made by extracting natural adhesives from plants or animal sources. For example, some communities used plant resins, such as those obtained from trees like the Xanthorrhoea (grass tree) or various species of eucalyptus. These resins were often heated or melted to create a sticky substance that could be used for joining materials or as a coating.

In terms of parallel with modern epoxy resins, both traditional glues and epoxy resins provide strong adhesive properties, allowing for the bonding of different materials. They can both be used for various applications, such as joining wood, stone, or other surfaces, and can provide durable and long-lasting bonds.

Regarding the sustainability of the chemical processes involved in producing modern epoxy resins, it is essential to consider the environmental impact. The production of epoxy resins typically involves the use of fossil fuels and chemical reactions to synthesize the epoxy monomers. These processes can have a significant carbon footprint and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, some components used in epoxy resins, such as bisphenol A (BPA), have raised concerns regarding their potential environmental and health impacts.

On the other hand, the traditional glue formulations used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were derived from natural and renewable resources. They often involved the extraction of plant resins or other organic materials, which were obtained sustainably from the environment. However, it's important to note that the impact on local ecosystems and the sustainability of these methods can vary depending on the specific practices employed and the availability of resources.

In summary, while there are parallels between traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander glue formulations and modern epoxy resins in terms of their adhesive properties, the sustainability of the chemical processes involved in producing epoxy resins is a concern. Traditional glue formulations often relied on natural and renewable resources, but the sustainability of these methods can depend on local practices and resource availability. When considering the sustainability of adhesive materials, it's crucial to evaluate the entire lifecycle of the product, including its production, use, and disposal.

Source: According to ChatGPT in response to the prompt: How do Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples’ glue formulations parallel the use of modern epoxy resins, and how sustainable are the chemical processes involved in producing these materials?

Indigenous Australian glue and how to make it.

 “Grass tree resin is used in the making of their hatchets, hammers & in fixing the glass to their spears. Often times a meat cutter or native knife, made by fixing to a short hard piece of wood with the gum of the Xanthorrhoea , fragments of quartz”

J H Maiden, Australian Botanist.

While very strong and useful, resin glue is not as strong as most commercial glue. In most cases in the archaeological and anthropological records of Australia it is combined with other materials when hafting tools. Such materials include plant fibre (Stringy Bark, Sea Hibiscus, Lomandra and Jibung bark) and kangaroo and wallaby tail sinew to provide added strength. 

Large grove of Xanthorrhoea plants

Indigenous Australian glue and how to make it. (2020, November 1). Survival and Bushcraft. https://www.survivalandbushcrafts.com/indigenous-australian-glue-and-how-to-make-it/

Resins were used to bind stones to handles as well as wood to wood in some spearthrowers. Resins, which come from certain plants, become soft when heated and very hard when cooled, that is, are thermoplastic. Resins are obtained from Porcupine Grass (Triodia species) and Grass Trees (Xanthorrhea species). Gums were also used as adhesives however their use is limited by the fact that they swell and shrink depending on humidity. Gums are obtained from a number of trees including wattles and eucalypts.

Source: Aboriginal plant use and technology

(n.d.). Australian National Botanic Gardens - Botanical Web Portal. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/education/programs/pdfs/aboriginal_plant_use_and_technology.pdf

Australian Aboriginal use of spinifex resin technology. (2014, May 21). YouTube. https://youtu.be/CoMKQww5pq8

Working with Balga resin. (2020, May 17). YouTube. https://youtu.be/AmcvgsaKZP8

Is resin bad for the environment?

Synthetic or man-made resin has become a popular material in décor and jewelry and you can either buy resin products or make your own. It has also been used to coat flooring or in adhesives and is now used by artists and creators. The popularity of the product, therefore, begs the question, is resin good for the environment? 

The environmental cost of resin

The environmental cost of resin — Among the trees reclaimed timber Marrickville. (2023, February 21). Among The Trees. https://www.amongthetrees.com.au/blog/resin-part-2

Is resin recyclable and how to dispose of it.

Is Resin Recyclable? (And How to Dispose of it?). (n.d.). Conserve Energy Future. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/is-resin-recyclable.php