Little Known Facts About Super Glue

The trademarked, Original Super Glue is the name that most consumers probably recognize. There are many different brand names for this miracle glue, with variations for different glue projects. Super glue was first discovered in 1941, during WWII research for the manufacturing of plastic gun sights, but it was rejected at that time for being, "too sticky." It was not until two men named Harry Coover and Fred Joyner, from Eastman Kodak, saw the potential of super glue for commercial and consumer use in 1951, that this miracle glue became available to the public.

A Glue by Any Other Name

The secret ingredient in all the super glues on the market is Cyanoacrylate, an acrylic resin that bonds instantly. When the glue comes into contact with hydroxy 1 ions with water, it bonds. Cyanocrylate is the main ingredient in dozens of glues that are advertised as super glues or instant bonding glues. The Original Super Glue Corporation lists these glues under brand names that include Bondini, Pacer, Zap, and Pro Seal.

CSI Secret

Super glue fuming has no relation to creating glue fumes or sniffing glue. The term, "super glue fuming," is related to the techinique that can be done at crime scene investigations. When cyanoacrylate, or any of the super glues, are heated in an air tight container, the cyanoacrylate evaporates and then reacts to traces of anything that has been left behind on surfaces. This technique has been useful for lifting finger prints in crime scene investigations.

The Mussel Connection

Current research efforts to imitate the natural adhesive found on the "feet" of mussels is underway. Mussels have an natural epoxy adhesive on their "feet" that is even stronger than the chemical version in super glue. The problem with using the natural epoxy glue from mussels is that it would take an endless supply of mussels to make even a small quantity for the use as a glue.

Medical Miracle?

Is Super Glue a medical miracle? The medical uses for super glues are only just beginning to be discovered. Medical grade adhesives in the same chemical family of cyanacrylate, use a more expensive version of the glue that has butyl or octyl esters instead of the commercial grade ethyl methylate. The medical version of super glues are costlier but safer for surgical work.

Medical grade super glues have been used to close wounds instead of stitches, and the potential for larger surgery use is great. The invasiveness of stitches is eliminated when a super glue is used to cover an open wound area. Researchers are even looking into the possible use of super glue in sealing up larger internal wounds.

Super Glue's Arch Enemy

Super Glue has one enemy that can disolve its bond. Acetone has the power to unglue and remove traces of super glues from surfaces, and even human skin. Acetone is commonly found in many household products. The most common form of acetone suggested for removing super glue from skin, or for unbonding use, is common, everyday nail polish remover.

All of the super glue brands and variations come with warnings about the instant bond that the glue will make upon contact. Keeping a bottle of nail polish remover in the house can be helpful for small bonding residue, but any serious, accidental bonding to the eyes or mouth requires medical attention.

A Million Uses

There are endless practical uses for super glues. Many household projects or repairs can benefit from the storng holding and bonding power of super glue. Broken china, knick-knacks, and loose paneling can all be fixed with a few drops of a super glue. The specialty variations of super glues include a super glue type for nearly any purpose. There are gel and wood project variations of the glue, and super glues for large appliances and household items.

Generic super glues can often be found at discount stores and the Dollar Store. These glues contain the same main ingredient of cyanacrylate, which will do the job and save a few dollars in most cases. It's worth stocking a few small tubes or plastic containers of super glue for household emergencies. This wonder glue can work permanent miracles.