This modern miracle of the adhesives world is available as a number of different products; you may be familiar with "Krazy Glue", "CA glue", "Insta-Jet", "Zap glue", or "Loctite glue". All of the "instant" superglues use the same general formula. You should have no trouble finding CA glue at your local hobby shop.
Modern superglues are based on the cyanoacrylate polymer. For this reason, they are generically referred to as "CA glues". The liquid in the bottle is raw molecular components which, when applied to the substrate (bonding surface), converts into plastic. It requires trace amounts of water in order to effect this transformation. If you need to help CA superglue "kick", it is possible to use a light mist of water from a spray bottle.
Using CA
Always handle CA glue with due care; it can instantly form strong bonds between objects... such as your fingers!
Use the tip of the bottle to apply drops of CA onto one of the surfaces to bond. Press the other surface firmly against the first and hold for several seconds. Nonporous substrates are recommended for CA since it is a very thin liquid; due to capillary action, the glue will soak into rough surfaces and cracks, leaving no glue at the surface of the bond site.
CA releases fumes when it is used. These fumes (unreacted cyanoacrylate monomer and other nasties) are not especially dangerous, but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. This can result in breathing difficulties or serious long-term effects in some cases. A dust mask will not protect you from these vapors.
CA reacts with many other substances. Always test a small amount of CA on the materials you plan to glue together. If CA chemically reacts with your materials, it may release fumes containing toxic gas, reactant monomers, or other noxious gasses, so be sure to work with adequate ventilation. However, it should be pointed out that this is unlikely and the glue is perfectly safe in most cases.
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Avoid skin and eye contact. Highly reactant. May release dangerous fumes. |
CA forms a solid bond within seconds, in most cases. The bond may continue to gain strength and set over the next few minutes. Do not shift the bond surfaces while the glue is setting. CA forms tight and rigid bonds -- after all, you're basically making acrylic plastic!
