Super glue is a very practical product for individuals and for many professionals. Indeed, with its almost immediate grip, it allows multiple materials to be bonded with an aesthetic and discreet effect. Its grip has the great advantage of being durable, resistant and fast. Let’s take a look at the properties of this product, what it allows to stick and the advice to follow to use it well.
Super glue: what are its properties?
Super glue is a product invented in 1942 by Doctor Harry Coover and discovered accidentally. Indeed, it was while wishing to create transparent plastics for the use of high-precision sights that this researcher discovered cyanoacrylate, a chemical compound endowed with considerable adhesion. It was only later that the scientist realized the interest of his fortuitous discovery and its marketing was launched by Eastman Kodak in 1958. In 1960, the domestic super glue Loctite was born.
The super glue that we know today is a one-component cyanoacrylate glue derived from cyanoacrylic acid, very powerful and fast-acting, which makes it possible to bond many materials with great efficiency. Some derived models are able to withstand large temperature variations and humidity, which makes them formidable on many outdoor materials. Some variants are also specialized for bonding materials with particular specificities.
Superglue glues two pieces of the same material or two pieces of certain different materials together quickly and extremely well. It resists water and many constraints, especially after a 24-hour exposure. Its setting is immediate and definitive for a solid, resistant and durable repair. Its particularity is that it polymerizes thanks to the humidity of the air. The speed of setting is linked to the latter.
A super glue with various viscosities
In addition, a distinction is made between gel and liquid super glues. Liquid formulas are more suitable for bonding cracks, because they penetrate more easily into small holes and they dry faster; they are ideal for smooth materials. On the other hand, gel models are to be preferred for precision work, because they flow less, an advantage for porous materials. In fact, there are four viscosity grades for super glue, from fluid form to gel to medium viscosity to high viscosity.
An advantageous and practical product
Super glue has the advantage of allowing immediate or almost immediate grip. Easy to dose, it is perfectly colorless and remains discreet. It is very low odor and comes in several viscosities to meet a wide range of needs.
How to use super glue?
Super glue is capable of bonding multiple materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, rubber, wood, leather, porcelain, ceramic, paper and many more.
To make a success of your bonding with super glue, you just have to follow five simple steps:
- Step n°1: prepare the surface : for a better grip and a smudge-free result, be sure to clean the surfaces to be bonded, and above all to dust and degrease them.
- Step 2 : position the parts correctly : before gluing two pieces, take care to place them carefully so that they are perfectly aligned. You won’t get a second chance.
- Step 3 : apply super glue : on only one of the two sides to be glued, apply super glue in sufficient quantity and evenly distributed. Avoid putting on too much super glue, as it delays the polymerization and causes unsightly smudges.
- Step 4 : glue the surfaces: it’s time to glue the two surfaces together. Firmly press the two elements together for at least 10 seconds. Don’t wait to wipe up superglue smudges that have overflowed with a damp cloth. Then close the tube carefully.
- Step 5 : patients : if the setting is immediate or almost immediate, wait 24 to 48 hours to handle a delicate object, because the complete setting requires this delay. You will avoid having to start gluing again.
If you have stuck your fingers together or on an object, dip them in warm soapy water and rub them gently until they separate. The glue crumbles little by little until you are free.