Superglue Basics: Did You Know?

Cyanoacrylate Glue, also known as superglue, is a strong, fast bonding type of glue that is often used for small projects, such as model cars or other hobby projects. Unlike other types of glue, superglue can be used with a variety of materials. Superglue can bond metal or plastic, and can even hold a combination of materials together.

 

Superglue- The Invention of Superglue

 

In 1942, a doctor name Harry Coover accidentally invented the substance known today as superglue. He and his coworker, Fred Joyner were working during World War II at a facility called Kodak Laboratories. Their purpose there was to experiment with chemicals to create transparent sights for the guns used in the war.

 

Although they were not able to accomplish their original goal during that time, the chemical they did create was found to be extremely revolutionary to the bonding industry. A couple years after this discovery, Coover began working with the substance again, this time developing a product known as Eastman #910, which was technically the first true superglue.

 

After receiving a patent for Eastman #910, the product was marketed and sold. It was a huge success, as was Coover. He began to make appearances on television shows and became quite the celebrity. The uses and popularity of superglue grew from there, and now this substance can be found in almost every home in America.

 

How it works

 

Within the strong structure of superglue is a weak acid that keeps it in its liquid state until it comes into contact with any kind of water or water vapors. For this reason, when the glue is placed between two surfaces, the water vapors on the objects and in the air dissolve the acid and turn the glue into a hardened substance.

 

If you are going to be using superglue, here are a few tips:

 

• Ensure that the two objects you are gluing are fit together without holes or gaps.

 

• Use only a small amount of glue. When the weak acid in the glue is dissolved, the hardening of the glue typically starts in the middle. For this reason, it takes a longer amount of time for large portions of glue to dry and the glue will not be as stable if too much is used.

 

• Hold the two pieces together for about 45 seconds for regular superglue. This will ensure that the bond between the two pieces has a chance to form. For more strength, leave the pieces alone for a couple of hours after you glue them together.

 

The actual time it takes for the glue to set will depend on the brand of the glue and what purpose it was created for. Some manufacturers place more acid in the glue to allow for slower bonding times.

 

Buy Superglue- Where to Use Superglue and How to Break the Bond

 

Superglue works great for almost all materials, although it doesn't do very well with glass objects. Because of the quick, strong bonds, it is ideal for model cars, repairing broken objects, and putting together miniature houses. It even has some medical uses. The important thing to remember when you are deciding what to use this glue for is that it should only be used on objects that are not going to undergo a lot of stress. The glue may not hold up as easily if this is the case.

 

Using superglue always comes with the risk that someday you will want to unglue an object. There are a couple of things have been known to be able to separate objects that have been bonded with superglue. Gamma-butyrolactone, Acetone, and many commercial de-bonders can be used to get rid of superglue once it is no longer needed.

 

Superglue is a strong, quick bonding agent that can be used for bonding purposes for decades. Perfect for the home or garage project, it's extreme versatility will keep this product around for many years.

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