At first glance, bonding two surfaces may seem straightforward. However, the choice of adhesive is critical, as it must be formulated to work with the substrates and meet performance requirements. Failure to select the appropriate adhesive can result in an unreliable connection, potentially leading to structural failure. Let’s discuss what adhesive bonding is, how cyanoacrylate adhesives work, and how materials can be bonded with them.
What is Adhesive Bonding?
Adhesive bonding involves joining two surfaces together to form a seamless bond. The bond is achieved by applying glue, epoxy, or other plastic adhesives to one or both surfaces. In some cases, a piece of adhesive tape with a two-sided coating can be placed between surfaces to bond them. The bond forms by solvent evaporation, by a curing process with applied heat or pressure, or simply by curing over a period of time.
Glues and adhesives form bonds of varying strengths. New and advanced self-curing glues have been developed that can create bonds as strong as, or stronger than, the materials they join. High-strength glues and adhesives are a common choice in many manufacturing, industrial, and household uses as a result.
Depending on the formulation, some adhesives and glues must be remixed prior to application to distribute ingredients. Others, such as two-part epoxies, must not be mixed until they are ready to be used. Some glues must be cured by applying heat or UV radiation, while others cure in the open air over a period of time. Our focus here will be cyanoacrylate glues, which do not require mixing, set quickly, and cure by atmospheric moisture (humidity) and latent moisture on the bonding substrate surface. This is called an anionic bond or anionic polymerization causing the cyanoacrylate monomer to transition to a polymer bonding materials together.
How Do Cyanoacrylate Adhesives Work?
Cyanoacrylate, often referred to as an instant adhesive, CA glue, or super glue, is a liquid acryl monomer that achieves a fixture time in seconds. Over a period of hours, the glue cures completely for a high-strength, permanent bond.
When placed between two surfaces, cyanoacrylate reacts instantly, forming polymer chain bonds as soon as it is exposed to residual moisture on the substrate surfaces. As a single-part adhesive, it does not require mixing and there is no need for heat or UV light to cure it.
In some applications in which the adhesive is exposed instead of being sandwiched between two surfaces, curing can be delayed. In these cases, a liquid activator may be sprayed on the glue to help it harden. These activators are also used in applications where one or both of the surfaces to be bonded is very dry, acidic, or porous.
Bonding Materials with Cyanoacrylate
Many materials can be bonded successfully with cyanoacrylate adhesive including ceramic, rubber, elastomers, textiles, metal, wood, and plastic. All-purpose, standard formula cyanoacrylates work well in many situations; however, they can also be formulated to enhance characteristics for specialized applications. Examples include:
Impact resistance
Thermal resistance
Peel resistance
Rigid or flexible curing
Water resistance
Low odor
Low bloom
Specific substrates (e.g., soft/flexible, metal, plated material, porous material)
Ultra-fast set time
Extra clear when cured
Thixotropic, no-run formula
Some materials are more challenging to bond. These may include very dry or acidic substrates; polyolefin, acetal, and fluoropolymers; or low surface energy plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Surface treatment primers and adhesive accelerators are available to prepare them and improve adhesive performance.
Use Aron Alpha Adhesives for Your Application
Adhesive bonding is a common, efficient, and effective process in manufacturing, medical applications, and household settings. Aron Alpha is a leader in cyanoacrylate innovations, helping to improve productivity and product quality for its customers.
We offer a range of instant adhesive formulas, primers, and accelerators, as well as custom formulations to meet your specific requirements. Lab testing, on-site consultation, and prototype testing services are also available.
Cyanoacrylates are quick-acting adhesives, often known as super glues or power glues. They are a strong and convenient product used for many purposes in industry and at home. Let’s look at what cyanoacrylates are, the advantages they offer, and some of the more unusual applications super glues are used for.
What Are Cyanoacrylates?
Cyanoacrylates are a group of adhesives called acryls that bond materials instantly in the presence of moisture. Because they are fast to work with and create high-strength bonds, they are often used in assembly tasks in automotive, medical device manufacturing, electronics, construction, and consumer products.
Cyanoacrylates set quickly without the use of clamps, so objects or assemblies can be handled within seconds. Bonds have high tensile strength and are effective with stiff or rigid materials. Once cured, cyanoacrylates have low ductility and can be brittle, making them vulnerable to impact loads. They are less stable when used with wood or at joints.
Advantages of Cyanoacrylates
Cyanoacrylate super glues provide many advantages, including:
Ease of use: Cyanoacrylates are single-component adhesives, requiring no mixing to activate the chemical bonding process. They are simple and non-messy to apply.
Fast cure time: The polymerization process is quick in the presence of moisture, so there is no need to clamp or secure components during cure time.
High bond strength: Long and strong polymer chain bonds are created as the glue cures. Some formulations can reach strengths of up to 20 megapascals.
Versatility: Cyanoacrylates are effective at bonding similar and dissimilar materials including wood, ceramics, elastomers, plastics, and metals.
Low Toxicity: Cyanoacrylates have relatively low toxicity compared to other adhesives.
Unusual Applications of Cyanoacrylate & Super Glue
Fossil & Mineral Repair
For years, fossils and minerals that broke or were already broken as they were excavated and prepared for analysis had to be thrown away. Then, scientists discovered that the viscosity and instant bonding qualities of super glue were ideal for salvaging these specimens. Cyanoacrylate doesn’t shrink and remains clear as it dries, making it perfect for use with minerals or jewels.
Crime Scene Investigations
A common procedure in crime scenes is collecting fingerprints, but did you know that cyanoacrylate is the adhesive used to collect them? Cyanoacrylates will adhere to the moisture that is deposited by the skin and turn the fingerprints white.
Repairs to Sunglasses, Shoes, Boots, and Straps
One of the handiest uses of cyanoacrylate glue is for small household repairs. You can extend the life of household items with just a small bead of adhesive.
Finger Protections for Guitarists
Guitarists can protect their fingers from cuts or blisters while playing by using super glue. Once the adhesive is applied to the tips of the fingers and allowed to dry, it creates a thin but tough layer that protects the skin from the abrasive guitar strings. Then, to remove the cyanoacrylate from the skin, they can apply one of the methods we mention here.
Underwater Bonding
The initial contact of cyanoacrylate with liquid creates a plastic outer shell, but the interior remains liquid for a short time. When you are ready to bond the items, you use a little force to break the outer shell, revealing the viable adhesive.
Finishing Wood Pens
This adhesive forms a hard, acrylic coating over the wood, protecting it from the ink. The cyanoacrylate glue is also very thin, allowing it to flow smoothly over the surface and dry to a high-gloss finish.
3D Printing Infiltration
3D finished components can remain powdery and granulated unless they are coated. Cyanoacrylates seal the porosity and create a solid, hard surface. Qualities like an ultra-fast cure, good penetration, brilliant color, and a matte or glossy texture make these adhesives ideal for 3D printing infiltration.
Tying Fishing Knots
Strong knots in fishing lines can be made simple with super glue. Place a bead of adhesive on the line where you tied it and drop it into the water for a much stronger bond that equates to a double or triple knot.
Most DIY Projects
The availability, ease of use, and low cost make cyanoacrylates ideal for almost any DIY project!
Medical & Veterinary Cyanoacrylate Uses
Surgical cyanoacrylate is used for suture replacements and various other applications in medicine. Additionally, absorbable grades of cyanoacrylate are being used to facilitate advancements in medical technology. Within the veterinary industry, butyl cyanoacrylate is commonly used to close surgical wounds.
Cyanoacrylates From Aron Alpha
Aron Alpha has been the leader in industrial cyanoacrylate adhesive products and innovations for over six decades. We manufacture and supply cyanoacrylate adhesives, accelerators, primers, and applicators. In addition, our team of engineers and product experts provides custom formulations, lab services and testing, industrial adhesive consultation, and prototype testing.
Contact us to speak with a specialist about how Aron Alpha can help you reach your goal.
Choosing the right adhesive for an application can be the difference between success and failure. When it comes to tiny components, small repairs, or applications calling for a strong bond that cures almost instantly, cyanoacrylate adhesives are hard to beat.
But what exactly are these powerful, convenient adhesives? Here we’ll look at how they work, their advantages, and a few of their many applications.
What Is Cyanoacrylate Glue?
Cyanoacrylate glue is a general term for a group of fast-curing, strong adhesives. Commonly called “super glue”, “crazy glue”, or CA glue, it is widely used in industrial and consumer applications to bond similar or dissimilar materials including plastics, ceramics, metals, and even skin.
How Do Cyanoacrylate Adhesives Work?
Cyanoacrylate adhesive is a liquid acryl monomer that cures or hardens in the presence of moisture. As it dries, the adhesive polymerizes, creating strong polymer chains that bond materials tightly.
The curing process is fast and because it is activated by moisture in the air or on the surface of the materials, it is simple to use in many settings. There is no need to mix multiple compounds, apply UV radiation or heat, or even clamp or secure parts during cure time. In many applications, nothing more than residual moisture is required to activate the adhesive; although, some dry or porous materials may need a small spray of water or activator liquid to start the process.
Benefits of Cyanoacrylate Glue
These key benefits make super glue a superior choice for many applications:
Fast cure times: Glues with long cure times delay production and contribute to bottlenecks. Complex assemblies that need precise positioning require clamping or other methods to secure components until the adhesive is fully cured; however, cyanoacrylate glue activates and cures very quickly, so assemblies can be handled in seconds and production can continue.
Low-toxicity: Many industrial adhesives are toxic and release volatile organic compounds that are harmful to workers during production, and to consumers during post-production off-gassing. In comparison, cyanoacrylate glues have far lower levels of toxicity.
Simplicity: In most circumstances, super glue activates automatically due to exposure to moisture in the air or on materials. This makes it easy to use with no mixing or specialty tools.
Strength: Cyanoacrylate glue forms extremely strong bonds between similar and dissimilar surfaces. It is also long-lasting and will not weaken if exposed to moisture. However, it’s important to note that cured CA glue has low ductility and may be vulnerable to impact loads.
Versatility: Unlike most high-performance adhesives, cyanoacrylate glues are effective with almost any type of material including metal, ceramics, plastic, wood, and textiles.
Applications: What is CA Glue Used For?
Hobbyists, designers, and manufacturers of all sizes use cyanoacrylate glue to build complex assemblies and bind disparate components together. While it has uses in almost any setting, three common applications are aerospace, DIY, and medical use cases.
Aerospace Applications
CA adhesives are often specified for aircraft interior components because it is strong and lightweight. They can also be used to repair minor damage to aircraft parts after the manufacturing process.
DIY Applications
Because it is simple to use and dries fast, super glue is a popular choice for crafting and repairs at home. It is especially convenient for bonding small pieces where only a tiny amount of adhesive is needed.
Medical Applications
Cyanoacrylate glue can be used in medical device and equipment assemblies where precision application is needed. Certain formulations can also be used to close wounds or small cuts on humans and animals.
Choose Cyanoacrylate Glue Produces From Aron Alpha
At Aron Alpha, we manufacture and supply industrial cyanoacrylate adhesives, accelerators, and primers for customers in many industries including automotive, construction, maintenance, electronics, industrial assembly, medical, plastics assembly, and more. We also offer custom formulations, lab services and testing, industrial adhesive consultation, and prototype testing.
Selecting the proper adhesive for a rubber bonding application demands a consideration of the processing and performance characteristics of the adhesive as well as the substrate material you will be bonding together. Depending on the application , you may need to adhere rubber to different substrates ranging from plastic to metal which might be flexible to hard, or even other rubber materials — each one presenting unique adhesion challenges.
Cyanoacrylate, commonly known as super glue, is the fastest-drying adhesive available on the commercial market. Valued for its high bonding strength and quick curing speed, cyanoacrylate is incorporated into everything from automotive manufacturing to furniture repair. Sometimes, even the exceptional speed with which cyanoacrylate cures isn’t fast enough. Whether you’re doing a tricky job that needs a quick adhesive bond or you’re just in a hurry, you can get your adhesive to cure even faster using baking soda.
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.
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.
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.
When choosing an adhesive for an industrial or consumer assembly application, it is important to identify and understand the differences between the types available. Adhesive manufacturers produce a variety of adhesives, each of which exhibits distinct chemical characteristics and provides different advantages and disadvantages depending on the use case.
We thought we would take time out from talking all about cyanoacrylates to deliver a more light-hearted message, for fun of course. Even if you are actively involved in the adhesives industry, our guess is that you likely aren’t familiar with the comprehensive history of adhesives. We don’t want to go too deep into the complete details of how one of the greatest inventions known to man came to be, so we thought we’d break it down into a whole bunch of fun, interesting and lesser-known facts about adhesives.
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. 
for fun of course. Even if you are actively involved in the adhesives industry, our guess is that you likely aren’t familiar with the comprehensive history of adhesives. We don’t want to go too deep into the complete details of how one of the greatest inventions known to man came to be, so we thought we’d break it down into a whole bunch of fun, interesting and lesser-known facts about adhesives.
