4+Super+Glue+=+Erica+Francis



Cyanoacrylate (C5H5NO2 ), is a non toxic , colourless acrylic resin that forms its strongest bond almost immediately (cures). It only needs the hydroxl ions in water to bond, which is convient since most objects have traces of water and even the air we breath has water in the form of humidity. Super glue is an adhesive that quicky bonds to form attachements to other materials.

Some types of instant glues are: methyl 2 cyanoacrylate, ethyl 2 cyanoacrylate (super glue & krazy glue), n-bytyl cyanoacrylate (veterinary & skin glues), and lastly2 octyl cyanoacrylate (medical grade glue). Super glue has a low shearing strength, it resists water well, and can even bond metal and coral to rocks. Cyanoacrylate’s a liquid form in normal atmospheric environments, and consists of monomers of cyanoacrylate molecules. Its bond reaches its maximum strength within 2 hours since it was originally set and has a density that is slightly higher than that of water. Methyl cyanoacrylate has a flashpoint of 79°C and a molecular weight of 111.1. Ethyl cyanoacrylate has a flashpoint of 75°C and a molecular weight of 129. To make super glue easier to handle, it is usually formed with an ingredient like fumed silica to make it more glue like and viscous.

Have you ever thought in the midst of repairing something why super glue is so good at what it does? About what makes super glue so super sticky? It all starts when Cyanoacrylate molecules start to connect when they come into contact with water and they thrash around in chains to form a durable plastic-like mesh. Then, the glue thickens and hardens until the thrashing molecular threads can no longer move. Moreover, super glue’s catalyst is water, which is found on the surface of most objects, which is why it’s so important to keep the container tightly sealed. The bond is so strong that an attempt to separate any two glued substances or objects will rip the surface of the material before the bond would fail, seeing as a square inch bond can hold more than a ton.

Super glue was first discovered by Harry Coover working for Kodak Laboratories during World War ll while attempting to make clear plastic gun sight lenses but he never seceded because of the glues sticky nature in 1942. Again in 1951, Harry Coover and Dr. Fred Joyner rediscovered. Both were researching acrylate polymer for jet canopies, then Joyner spread a film of ethyl cyanoacrylate between two films and found out that the two stuck. It was finally that and in 1958 it was marketed by the Eastman compound #910 and later packages as super glue. Back in the day, it could also be found under the label of “Flash Glue”. White Glue, like Elmer’s, bond by solvent evaporation, meaning that when the water evaporates, the polyvinlactate latex that has been spread and evenly distributed in the material’s gaps form the flexible bond. Super glue, however, goes through a process called anionic polymerization, this chemical process produces a certain quantity of heat and if a large enough sum of super glue comes into contact with a person’s skin, it can actually cause a burn.


 * To glue non-porous materials
 * Great to glue biological tissue
 * Can bond metal or coral to rock
 * By criminal investigators to collect fingerprints
 * In thin layers can give wood a glossy look
 * Dentists use cyanoacrylate in dental cement and in fillings
 * Paleontologists use superglue to restructure and rearrange fossil fragments that a very fragile
 * Used in laceration repairs and is very active in cartilage, skin and bone transplant procedures

Although super glue seems to be such a great invention, a part of super glue’s chemical process can make a certain amount of heat and adding a large amount of super glue to the skin may cause burning, which is why everyday uses can be dangerous. Super glue can have an irritating effect on the eye and can also trigger asthma in rare situations. Additionally, you should not use super glue on cotton because the reaction is violent and can result in fire hazards and mild smoke irritations.

Even super things have the weaknesses, and super glues villain is acetone. While super glue does form strong, flexible bonds, it can generally be softened with acetone while in low temperatures that are normally set to make cyanoacrylate brittle. So if you ever get stuck in a little super glue crisis situation, just reach over for the nail polish remover.

Super glue has no real effect on the environment, as thankfully, the useful invention is non- toxic.




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now watch this video of what hapens when super glue and cotton come into contact... media type="youtube" key="9F11lfW6WsQ" width="425" height="350" align="left"

things that i've learnt:

Principle 2 By Chante Salmon
 * 1) Principle 2 explains how to use chemicals that have a smaller emvironmental impact
 * 2) CFC's play a big role in the destruction of the ozone layer making this chemical harmful to all living species
 * 3) Carbon dioxide was discovered in the 17th century

Recycling Of Car Batteries By Stephen McIntosh
 * 1) Battery recycling takes 6-10 times more energy to reclaim metals from recycled batteries as it does to produce the material though other means, like mining
 * 2) Without proper handling, the acid from the battery can permanetly damage your skin
 * 3) You get receive money back for returning your used car battery to automotive shops

Rehabilitating Lakes By Alexander Chiu
 * 1) Most of these nitrogen and sulfur oxides are created from the result of humans burning fossil fuels to power things like cars
 * 2) The lakes have some form of protection in the form of limestome
 * 3) Limestone neutralizes the effect of acin rain lakes, taking the double displacement reaction of CaCO3 + HNO3 > Ca(NO3)2 + CO2