Cyanoacrylates

What are cyanoacrylates?

Cyanoacrylate is the generic name for substances such as methyl-2-cyanoacrylate, commonly referred to as super glue.  In addition, there are medical cyanoacrylate glues based on 2-octyl cyanoacrylate.

Cyanoacrylates Adhesive

Cyanoacrylate is a tenacious adhesive, particularly when used to bond non-porous materials or those that contain minute traces of water. As such cyanoacrylates are very good at bonding body tissue, and while this effect can be a nuisance (or even dangerous) for everyday use, it has been exploited for the benefit of suture-less surgery.

Cyanoacrylates are often used to assemble prototype electronics, flying model aircraft, and as retention dressings for nuts and bolts - called thread lockers. The effectiveness of cyanoacrylates in bonding metal and general versatility have made them popular amongst modeling and miniatures hobbyists.

Properties of Cyanoacrylates Glue

In its liquid form, it consists of monomers of cyanoacrylate molecules, (C5H5NO2) an acrylic resin which rapidly polymerisess in the presence of water, forming long, strong chains, joining the bonded surfaces together. During setting, cyanoacrylates exude concentrated acetic acid.

Because the presence of moisture causes cyanoacrylates to set up, exposure to moisture in the air can cause a tube or bottle of cyanoacrylates to become unusable over time. To prevent an opened container of cyanoacrylates from setting before use, it must be stored in an airtight jar or bottle, with a package of silica gel. Another important trait is that cyanoacrylates set up fast, often in less than a minute.

A normal cyanoacrylate bond reaches full strength in two hours, and is waterproof. There are also cyanoacrylate accelerants that can force a set-up as fast as two or three seconds, at some loss of strength.

Acetone, which is found in nail polish remover, is a commonly available solvent capable of softening cured cyanoacrylates glue. Cold temperatures cause cyanoacrylates glue to become brittle. A cyanoacrylates bond can be weakened, allowing disassembly, by placing a cyanoacrylate glued object in a household freezer for several hours.

 Industrial Cyanoacrylates

Cyanoacrylate adhesives are sometimes known as "instant adhesives" and are used in instant bonding industrial adhesives. Super glues are based on cyanoacrylates. The acronym "CA" is quite commonly used for industrial grades of cyanoacrylates.

Additional Information

Please take the time to review our website to learn about cyanoacrylates and our cyanoacrylate products.

If you have any questions about cyanoacrylates or our cyanoacrylate products, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you on the phone (800) 964-6660 or email us at info@palmlabsadhesives.com.