Updated: August 26, 2024
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue is the industrial name for what is commonly known as “Crazy Glue” or “Super Glue.” In fact, the term cyanoacrylate glue generally describes quick-bonding super glues. They can be used to combine anything from metal to plastic and even human skin.
What Is Super Glue Made of?
Unlike traditional adhesives that are water-based glues, super glue or cyanoacrylate glue is made of an acrylic resin. The main ingredient in cyanoacrylate glue is cyanoacrylate, an acrylic monomer that cures almost instantly when it comes in contact with hydroxyl ions in water. The cyanoacrylate transforms to a plastic state after curing.
How Does Cyanoacrylate Glue Work?
Cyanoacrylate glue works differently from traditional glue because of its special bonding conditions. Cyanoacrylate needs water to cure. This water can come from moisture on the surface of the material being bonded or in the humidity in the air.
When any amount of moisture is present, the molecules in the cyanoacrylate glue will react with the moisture to form tight chains in between the two surfaces in contact. This reaction generates heat and occurs instantly, which differs from traditional glue bonding that occurs by evaporation of the base fluid.
How to Cure Cyanoacrylate Glue
Broadly speaking, curing refers to the chemical reaction that takes place with adhesives where they go from a liquid to a solid because of cross-linking. Curing can be facilitated by radiation, heat, moisture, or UV light.
Cyanoacrylate glue cures when it comes in contact with moisture either in the air or on the surface of an object. The acrylic monomers in the glue will react with the hydroxyl ions in the water and form polymer chains. The curing process for cyanoacrylate glues begins almost instantly as the bond initially forms but a full cure could take almost a day.
Potential Disadvantages of Cyanoacrylate Glue
Like all other products, there are potential issues with cyanoacrylate glues that you need to take into account when deciding what glue is the right choice for your application.
One of the main problems is the possible lack of bonding occurring between the glue and a surface when there is a lack of moisture on the surface. Luckily, this is a simple problem that can often be solved by applying a thin layer of water on the surface to initiate curing. This method may not work on all materials as some materials, like heat-resistant plastics, tend to repel moisture. Instead, an epoxy adhesive may be a better choice.
Another problem with cyanoacrylate glue you may experience is the glue’s tendency to form strong bonds with undesirable surfaces, such as your skin. This is a common problem because the human skin is typically covered in a thin layer of moisture, good conditions for the cyanoacrylate glue to cure. This problem can usually be easily solved with the help of acetone, commonly known as nail polish remover. Acetone can chemically dissolve the strong bonds without harming your skin. It can also be used to eliminate glue residue from many surfaces.
The last issue with cyanoacrylate glue stems from its chemical composition. Because they are so strong and fast-acting, they have a shorter shelf-life of an average of one year from the date of manufacturing and one month once the glue has been opened. Do not purchase them in bulk or stockpile for future use.
Precision Dispensing
Some applications for cyanoacrylate glue require a small but precise amount in areas that are either delicate or hard to apply. In these cases, a precision needle is often needed. The Infinity Bond precision glue syringe is one example that comes in a variety of gauges. Because the needle is disposable, it's also the perfect combination of low cost and high quality.
A precision needle goes along with an adapter that is directly attached to the glue bottle. The Sulzer Luer lock adapter, for example, allows for a clean and precise dispensing method for both home and industrial applications.
Find a Product for You
At tobinyukbusiness.shop, we have a diverse collection of cyanoacrylate adhesives available for different applications. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can contact one of our adhesive experts for more guidance.
