Cyanoacrylate adhesives are based on cyanoacrylate monomer which is the primary ingredient used to formulate Aron Alpha Industrial Krazy Glue. The cyanoacrylate monomer (liquid form) is catalyzed by very weak electron donors such a water (humidity). The presence of residual amounts of water are found in the bonding atmosphere (air) and on the surface of the bonding substrates. This reaction occurs within in seconds. The graphic below demonstrates the change from cyanoacrylate monomer to polymer.
The science behind instant adhesive technology
Aron Alpha cyanoacrylate adhesives are based on methyl, ethyl, ethoxyethyl esters. Ethyl cyanoacrylates are the most common.
Ethyl cyanoacrylates can be used on various plastic substrates as well as on ceramic and metal substrates. Some specially formulated types are surface insensitive, so they also can be used on acidic or porous surfaces like chrome-plated surfaces, wood, cardboard, paper, leather, cork, rubber, etc.
Methyl cyanoacrylate adhesives are primarily used for bonding metal to metal.
Ethoxyethyl cyanoacrylate adhesives display low odor and low blooming but are typically slower curing than conventional ethyl cyanoacrylates.
The service temperature of ethyl cyanoacrylate falls within the -40 °F to +175 °F span however rubber toughened and thermal resistant formulas can be exposed to temperatures up to +250 °F.
The curing (setting) time of the adhesive depends on both the substrate and the adhesive formulation. Polymerization proceeds more slowly on acidic surfaces such as wood. The set time can vary from as low as one second to as high as one minute. The unthickened monomer (such as Type 201 or 221) spreads (wicks) faster and thus creates the bond more rapidly. Thickened adhesives (such as Type 253TX and Gel 10) are easier to control.