Cyanoacrylates

By definition, adhesives are non-metallic materials that can bond parts together by adhering to the surface (adhesion) and their internal strength (cohesion). They are typically viscous media that cure into plastics under suitable conditions. The properties of the liquid adhesive, the curing conditions and the properties of the resulting plastics are very diverse and are tailored to the respective application.

Cyanoacrylates are colloquially known as "superglues" or "instant adhesives". They adhere to a wide range of surfaces, from wood and metal to plastics, rubber and ceramics to organic materials such as human skin. In addition to their adhesion to many surfaces, their outstanding property is that they cure very quickly, usually in a matter of seconds. In the consumer sector, they are mainly used to repair broken everyday objects, as they bond quickly and reliably. 

In an industrial setting, they are used for bonding small parts or rubber components in particular. In forensics, they are used to detect fingerprints by forming a white deposit.

The cyanoacrylates from DREI BOND are characterized above all by their fast curing. Hand strength is usually achieved within seconds. In addition to conventional cyanoacrylates, the DREI BOND portfolio includes a variety of specialty products, such as non-blooming cyanoacrylates or those that also adhere to surfaces that are difficult to bond.

As soon as cyanoacrylates encounter the surface moisture of the substate and is being squished by the components, the curing process starts rapidly. Direct skin contact must therefore be avoided at all costs.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives only tolerate heat to a limited extent. If the bonded materials have a higher temperature resistance than the adhesive used, the bonds can in principle be loosened again by heating. Many cyanoacrylates are also only partially resistant to moisture. Therefore, a rinse cycle at higher temperatures in the dishwasher may be sufficient to dissolve a bond. Suitable solvents such as acetone can also dissolve cyanoacrylates well buthave an aggressive effect on many materials and pose health risks. The same applies to special cyanoacrylate removers.

The most important decision criteria include viscosity, application temperature range, color and maximum gap bridging. Depending on the area of application, it is also advisable to pay attention to whether the adhesive allows for assembly correction, is flexibilized or does not bloom.

Efflorescence is a whitish, powdery precipitate that settles next to the adhesive joint. This occurs when the highly volatile components of the cyanoacrylate adhesive evaporate, react with the ambient moisture and the products that form are deposited on the surface again.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives have poor resistance to highly polar solvents such as acetone. They are also only partially resistant to water and should therefore only be used for outdoor or bathroom applications after testing.

Due to the alkaline surface properties of glass, cyanoacrylates cure extremely quickly when bonding glass. This very fast curing is also known as "shock curing". This can result in high stresses at the molecular level within the bonded joint. The cured polymer is therefore susceptible to damage due to temperature-induced expansion and contraction or hydrolytic attacks from moisture.