Cyanoacrylates, also known as instant adhesives, superglues, and Krazy Glue, are fast-curing adhesives that can be used to make adhesive bonds between surfaces. They can be used in a wide range of environments and conditions. They can be used in a wide range of industries because they have a lot of good qualities:
High adhesive strength. Cyanoacrylates can make strong bonds even between materials that aren’t easy to bond together, like ceramics, engineering plastics, metal, rubber and elastomers, and wood. The bond is strong mechanically and evenly distributes stress across the bonded surface, which makes it more durable and last longer.
Aesthetic appearance. As cyanoacrylates dry, they leave a clear line that makes assembled products look better.
Ease of use. Cyanoacrylates don’t need solvents or a lot of different bonding components, which makes them easier to use.
Some people in the industry aren’t sure about using cyanoacrylates, even though they have a lot of advantages. In the next blog post, we’ll address some of the myths about cyanoacrylates and give more information about how they can be used in some unusual ways.
Misconception #1: “Cyano” in “Cyanoacrylates” Implies a Cyanide Presence
The word “cyanoacrylates” may make people think that glues contain cyanide, which is very dangerous. This assumption is not true. Some older forms of cyanoacrylates can cause some minor skin irritation or allergic reactions, but these adhesives are generally thought to be safe. Some variations have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct skin contact applications.
In fact, “cyano” refers to the use of cyanoacrylic acid in the making of cyanoacrylate adhesives. The compound is mixed with alcohol, like ethanol, methanol, or 2-octanol, to start a process that makes cyanoacrylate ester molecules. When these molecules come into contact with water, they form strong bonds between the surfaces they touch.
Misconception #2: Fumes From Cyanoacrylate Application Are Dangerous
Many industrial or high-strength chemicals make fumes that can have a big negative effect on people’s health, so it’s important to stay away from them. When these fumes are used in places that aren’t well-ventilated, they have a bigger effect. Cyanoacrylates could be a mild irritant, but they aren’t as bad because they quickly polymerize and become inert when they come into contact with water (including the water present in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract).
Using cyanoacrylates can cut down on any health risks even more:
- In a well-ventilated or filtered place, you can do applications.
- Respiratory and other protective gear, like masks, gloves, and goggles, should be used.
- Adding and keeping more moisture in the work area
Misconception #3: Any Gloves Work When Applying Cyanoacrylates
When working with cyanoacrylates, like when working with any other industrial compound, it is important to use the right protective gear to keep yourself safe from any possible health problems. Cyanoacrylates have a very low risk of causing skin irritation or bonding to the skin, but industry professionals should still wear gloves while using cyanoacrylates to avoid these accidents. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Wearing gloves when applying cyanoacrylates is very important. That’s true, but if you choose the wrong glove, it can do more harm than good. This is because gloves made of incompatible materials can do more harm than good. In the case of cyanoacrylates, organic or natural materials like cotton and wool quickly exothermize, which causes heat and, in some cases, smoke. This can cause serious burns or smoke inhalation injuries. Nitrile and other synthetic materials that aren’t woven or porous are better for gloves that will be used with cyanoacrylate because they don’t start a chemical reaction.
Unusual Use Cases for Cyanoacrylates
Cyanoacrylates are often used in automotive, medical, and other industrial manufacturing operations to put together parts and products. But did you know that they are also used in some unusual industrial applications? Here are a few of them:
Tissue bonding. Cyanoacrylates can be used instead of traditional sutures to close cuts and wounds in emergencies and surgery.
Bonding live coral fragments. Even in sandy areas, instant adhesives can be used to attach coral to walls and rocks.
Wood turning. Use cyanoacrylates to fix broken parts, hold together things that can’t be held with clamps, and close small holes in wood.
Screen printing. They make strong bonds with silkscreen meshes and are chemically resistant to printing inks, so they are good for making things like posters.
Dental lab model building. These glues can be used to put together dental devices like models, crown and bridge pin settings, and more.
Mortuary operations. It can be done after the body has been autopsied and embalmed. Cyanoacrylates can be used to reseal any cuts that have been made.
Medical device manufacturing. Modern cyanoacrylate formulas have better thermal resistance and peel strength, which makes them good for making medical devices and other products with many parts.
3D printing. 3D printing operations build things one layer at a time. Products layers can be sealed with cyanoacrylates and different parts can be glued together so they can last longer.
Crime scene investigations. It is possible for forensic investigators to use cyanoacrylates to find and remove fingerprints at crime scenes.
Cyanoacrylate Solutions at Apel USA
Cyanoacrylates are adhesives that can be used in a wide range of industries. In contrast to what people think, they are a lot less toxic and safe to use if the right precautions and protective gear are taken.
Because cyanoacrylates might be the right choice for you, the Apel USA team is here to help you decide.
