2006-07-13 20:29:55 · 10 answers · asked by chantellechanters 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Many people think superglue (cyanoacrylate) cures by drying. This is WRONG! While "most" glues work this way, super glue does NOT.
The substance cures (or hardens) when it is exposed to water.
Since there is moisture in the air, it hardens when exposed to air. When the superglue people package the adhesive, they MAKE SURE that there is no water present.
This is why they sometimes use it to close wounds. If cyanoacrylate sticks when it dries, the doctors would have a big problem!
Also, this is why it so readily sticks to your hands :) There are trace amounts of water anywhere on your body, so the glue rapidly cures!
2006-07-13 20:46:40 · answer #1 · answered by polloloco.rb67 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read the label on the tube. It says "always replace cap after use".
Glue needs contact with air to set. If you close the cap on the tube, air doesn't get in and the glue inside stays liquid. If you forget, the glue at the nozzle of the tube will set and solidify. This acts as a plug and prevents the rest of the glue in the tube from setting.
2006-07-13 20:32:55 · answer #2 · answered by k² 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol, oxygen is inert to super glue. What triggers super glue is a proton (H+) and it takes only one to trigger the polymerization. Yes, super glue is a polymer and it is packaged as the monomer, which name I can't remember since it is past midnight.
2006-07-13 20:34:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I would assume that it dries only when it comes into contact with air
2006-07-13 20:34:06 · answer #4 · answered by Jonny SA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no oxygen in the tube.
2006-07-13 20:33:19 · answer #5 · answered by Six B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No air
2006-07-13 20:42:32 · answer #6 · answered by mkaamsel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it only dries upon impact with air!
2006-07-13 20:32:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lack of O2, when packaged its packed in gas.
2006-07-13 20:33:33 · answer #8 · answered by Joe Knows 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
air makes it set....bottle keeps air out...
2006-07-14 00:18:59 · answer #9 · answered by nikki 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dunno
2006-07-13 20:41:06 · answer #10 · answered by motown 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋