Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

Abstract

The majority of these adhesives are based on either methyl- or ethyl-cyanoacrylate. However there are a number based on other alkyl or ester groups. All are room temperature curing in the presence of atmospheric moisture. Bonding is ‘instant’, i.e. several seconds before parts can be handled, with full cure several hours later. The cure speed depends mainly on the adherend materials. Activators (primers) can be used for conditions where moisture-curing alone is of limited success, e.g. large, non-porous bond areas or difficult to bond materials. Most are colourless, although a few filled versions exist (black or white). Both liquid (very low viscosity) and gel versions are available. Gap-filling ability is generally low, unless specifically stated otherwise. Few mechanical properties are given compared with other structural adhesive classes.