Molecular glue has been widely used in everyday life and in individual enterprises. In the market of installation materials, it is presented in the form of a rod of dark or milk color with a diameter of 10-11 mm and a length of 30 cm.
Some varieties are presented in compact tubes. He gained his popularity due to the ability to firmly adhere various materials, as well as the possibility of reuse.
Mechanism of action
The main component of molecular glue is cyanoacrylate - a high molecular weight compound, cyanoacrylic acid ester. Its content in the composition is about 90%. The rest is reserved for plasticizers, stabilizers, moderators, thickeners, the amount of which determines the specificity of the product.
Cyanoacrylate adhesive owes its high bonding ability to anionic polymerization, which occurs under the influence of weak alkalis - water. When applying the composition to glued surfaces, it begins to actively absorb moisture from the environment, while solidifying.
Setting time varies from a minute to several seconds. That is why it is impossible to leave the composition in the open air - it will instantly deteriorate.
Mode of application
You can use molecular glue for bonding plastic, glass, ceramics, rubber, plastics and other materials. Depending on its type, the application technology will be different. To connect the surfaces with a dark plastic rod, you must:
- Clean and degrease bonded parts.
- Melt a small mass of the substance in a metal container. It is convenient to use a soldering iron or a lighter.
- With the melted mixture pour the fastened sides.
- Compress the elements until the glue cools.
Once the composition has cooled, the processed item can be used. Although molecular glue guarantees high strength, it is better to protect bonded surfaces from bending loads and low temperatures.
Features of the use of the composition in tubes
The process of gluing parts with liquid cyanoacrylate adhesive has only some differences from the technology of using conventional formulations. Processed parts must be cleaned and degreased. Then apply the mixture, but only on one of the surfaces, strongly pressed.
After hardening, they are left under the press for a while, after which the glued parts are ready for use. Craftsmen to speed up the hardening of thick layers of glue sprinkle it with baking soda - an alkaline agent. In this case, the setting speed is accelerated several times.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of adhesives is the high speed of hardening - the parts are set with each other in a few seconds, after which they can be removed from under the press. But before the set strength sets in, it should take up to 24 hours.
Persistence is the second advantage that molecular glue has. Neither organic nor synthetic solvents are capable of destroying the molecular structure of the hardened composition. It also gives it dielectric properties - the mixture is an excellent insulator.
Compositions do not have significant flaws. Some users complain about the high fragility of glued parts. Among other minuses were also noted:
- Low strength under shock and mechanical impact.
- Toxicity: work with the substance only in a ventilated area.
- High adhesion to human skin: some caution should be exercised when applying.
Another disadvantage is the cost. So, the price for the popular Klebstoff glue varies between 3-7 thousand rubles per 6 kg of product. Costs can be recovered by bonding a large number of parts or when processing large areas.