Super glue accelerators are an effective tool for making super glue applications more convenient and simpler with predictable and repeatable performance results. The primary function of an accelerator (also referred to as cyanoacrylate setters, kicker, boost, blast) is to facilitate extremely fast setting (curing) and bond times, however, it can be utilized to “build” or “mound” a surface to fill gaps and create a “fillet”, improve bonding on porous surfaces like wood, ceramic or foam rubber and used to help mitigate blooming or frosting on your finished assembled item.
Rubber has many applications across a wide range of industries—from tires on cars and roofs on buildings to tubes in industrial equipment. In many of these situations, the rubber must be bonded to another piece of rubber, another kind of rubber, or another type of substrate (e.g., metal, wood, or plastic) to create a usable product. Forming an effective bonding necessitates the proper selection and application of an adhesive. The wrong type and method could result in a weak bond (or no bond) or damage the substrates.
Super glue is an incredible tool for household repairs, hobbies, and more, but it can get messy—and getting it on your hands is pretty common. It can feel alarming to have your fingers stuck together or stuck to another object, but you don’t need to worry, because there are several ways to remove it. Don’t wait for it to dry and then try to peel it off. The bond is strong, and you may end up damaging your skin.
Cyanoacrylates—commonly referred to as super glue or Krazy Glue—are fast-drying adhesive compounds. They create instant, high-strength bonds between various materials when exposed to moisture, including (but not limited to) metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, and rubber. These characteristics make them ideal for use in many industrial and commercial assembly applications, ranging from aerospace and automotive components to consumer appliances and musical instruments. However, before they are approved for distribution and use, they must be fully tested to verify that they provide the desired performance in the intended application.
At Toagosei America, we formulate cyanoacrylates – also known as instant adhesives, industrial-strength Krazy Glue – and have expanded our portfolio to include Aronix® and Aron Oxetane® UV-curable resin.
Cyanoacrylates—also known as CA glue, ethyl cyanoacrylates, super glues, instant adhesives, or Krazy Glues—are adhesives made from cyanoacrylate esters (most commonly ethyl). These adhesives are primarily characterized by their fast cure time when moisture is present. Once solidified, they form strong and rigid bonds between two substrates pressed firmly together.
Though you may not be familiar with the term cyanoacrylate adhesive, you’re probably familiar with the product itself. Commonly called super glue, instant glue, power glue, or by the brand names such as Krazy Glue, cyanoacrylate adhesive is critical to the assembly of goods for a variety of applications across industries. These glues are heat resistant, dry quickly, and will bond almost any material with another, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Cyanoacrylates—also known as instant adhesives, superglues, and Krazy Glue—are fast curing adhesives used to form adhesive bonds between surfaces, compatible with a wide range of environmental and operating conditions. They are applied with versatility across industries due to their advantageous properties, which include:
High adhesive strength: Cyanoacrylates are able to create a strong adhesive bond even between dissimilar or hard-to-bond materials, including ceramics, engineering plastics, metal, rubber and elastomers, and wood. The bond is mechanically strong and evenly distributes stress across the bonded surface for greater durability and longevity.
Aesthetic appearance: As cyanoacrylates dry clear, they create a visually cleaner line that improves the appearance of assembled products.
Ease of use: Cyanoacrylates don’t need solvents or multiple bonding components, making them a streamlined option.
Despite these and other benefits, some industry professionals have reservations about using cyanoacrylates. Throughout our years working with adhesives, the team at Aron Alpha has encountered several frequent misconceptions about them that may be preventing manufacturers from making use of them. In the following blog post, we’ll address some of the misconceptions surrounding cyanoacrylates and discuss additional insights about some of their more unusual use cases.
Misconception #1: “Cyano” in “Cyanoacrylates” Implies a Cyanide Presence
The “cyano” root in the term “cyanoacrylates” may give the idea that adhesives contain cyanide—a highly toxic compound. This assumption is incorrect. While some older forms of cyanoacrylates can cause minor skin irritation or allergic reactions, these adhesives are generally considered non-toxic, with some variations receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for direct skin contact applications.
“Cyano” actually refers to the use of cyanoacrylic acid in the formulation of cyanoacrylate adhesives. The compound is combined with alcohol—such as ethanol, methanol, or 2-octanol—to initiate a reaction that forms cyanoacrylate ester molecules. When exposed to water, these molecules polymerize to create strong bonds between contacting material surfaces.
Misconception #2: Fumes From Cyanoacrylate Application Are Dangerous
Many industrial or high-strength compounds produce fumes that can have a significant negative impact on human health. The effects of these fumes are increased when used in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. While cyanoacrylates pose as a possible mild irritant, they are not as harmful – they immediately polymerize and become inert when exposed to moisture (including the water present in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract).
Any associated health risks of using cyanoacrylates can be further reduced by:
Performing applications in a well-ventilated or filtered area
Using respiratory and other protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and goggles
Introducing and maintaining more moisture in the work environment
Misconception #3: Any Gloves Work When Applying Cyanoacrylates
When working with cyanoacrylates, like with any other industrial compounds, it is important to utilize the right protective equipment to protect oneself from any possible adverse health effects. While for cyanoacrylates, the risk is relatively minor—mild skin irritation or unintentional bonding to the skin—industry professionals should still wear gloves while using cyanoacrylates to prevent these incidents from occurring. However, this requirement comes with a few caveats.
Wearing gloves when applying cyanoacrylates is essential. However, choosing the wrong type of glove—i.e., made with incompatible materials—can cause more harm than good. When exposed to cyanoacrylates, organic or natural materials, such as cotton and wool, experience a rapid exothermic reaction that generates heat and, potentially, smoke that can cause serious burns or smoke inhalation injuries. Nitrile and other non-woven/non-porous synthetic materials are more suitable materials for gloves intended for cyanoacrylate application as they do not initiate such a reaction.
Unusual Use Cases for Cyanoacrylates
While cyanoacrylates are frequently applied in automotive, medical, and other industrial manufacturing operations to assemble parts and products, did you know that they are also used in some unconventional industrial applications? Here are several examples:
Tissue bonding: Cyanoacrylates are able to replace traditional sutures used to close cuts and incisions in emergencies and surgeries.
Bonding live coral fragments: Instant adhesives are safe to use in sensitive marine and aquascaping environments to bond coral to walls, rocks, and more, even in sandy environments.
Wood turning: Wood enthusiasts and furniture builders use cyanoacrylates to repair broken parts, hold pieces together that can’t be held with clamps, and seal surfaces with small holes.
Screen printing: Cyanoacrylates form a strong bond with silkscreen meshes and are chemically resistant to printing inks.
Dental lab model building: These adhesives are suitable for assembling dental devices such as models, crown and bridge pin settings, and more.
Mortuary operations: After autopsies and embalming, cyanoacrylates can be used to reseal any incisions made to the body.
Medical device manufacturing: Modern cyanoacrylate formulas demonstrate better thermal resistance and peel strength, making them suitable for use in the production of medical devices and multi-component products.
3D printing: 3D printing operations build products layer by layer. Cyanoacrylates can seal product layers and physically bond separate components together for a more durable product or assembly.
Crime scene investigations: Forensic investigators can use cyanoacrylates to reveal and lift fingerprints at crime scenes.
Cyanoacrylate Solutions at Aron Alpha
Cyanoacrylates are highly versatile adhesives employed across a wide range of industries. In contrast to common assumptions, they are largely non-toxic and safe to use given the proper precautions and protective equipment are implemented.
If you are considering or questioning if cyanoacrylates are right for your needs, the Aron Alpha team is happy to help. Building on over 50 years of consistency and excellent performance, we provide top-notch quality instant adhesives. Our high-performance Industrial Krazy Glue™ is fast drying, easy-to-use, and are found in almost all industries, such as highly technical electronic assembly, general industrial and automotive, and craft-making.
If you have any questions about cyanoacrylates or our adhesives products, reach out to us today.
Throughout the years, innovations in construction material and manufacturing processes have led to medical-grade adhesives replacing the use of traditional fastening systems in medical device assemblies. When properly applied, adhesives present significant advantages over other mechanical fastening methods.
The strength behind industrial super glue is often a topic of conversation with our customers. So we thought we would create this post to provide an overview in an attempt to cover this topic. As we mentioned in a prior post, keep in mind, not all super glues are created equal. In fact, there are varying types of super glues (also known as cyanoacrylates), that are intended for various type of applications.
Cyanoacrylates—commonly referred to as super glue or Krazy Glue—are fast-drying adhesive compounds. They create instant, high-strength bonds between various materials when exposed to moisture, including (but not limited to) metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, and rubber. These characteristics make them ideal for use in many industrial and commercial assembly applications, ranging from aerospace and automotive components to consumer appliances and musical instruments. However, before they are approved for distribution and use, they must be fully tested to verify that they provide the desired performance in the intended application. 
