Chemistry of Super Glue

Introduction

• Experiment: Testing super glue to fix a plastic piece on a whiteboard.
• Topic: How super glue works through chemistry.

Composition of Super Glue

• Chemical Name: Cyanoacrylate
• Chemical Formula: C₅H₅NO₂

Chemical Reaction

• Type: Ionic Polymerization
• Process:
  • Transformation of monomers into polymers.
  • Monomers are individual pieces that make up polymers.

Mechanism of Action

• Initiation:
  • Exposure to air initiates polymerization.
  • Hydroxyl ions in air moisture start the reaction.
• Chain Reaction:
  • Double bond in cyanoacrylate allows monomers to join into polymers.
  • Electrostatic force attracts monomers to polymers.
• Polymer Formation:
  • Before polymerization: Cyanoacrylate molecules are isolated.
  • During polymerization: Exposure to air triggers monomers to join polymers.
  • After polymerization: Molecules are linked and solidify.

Result

• Solid Formation:
  • After curing, cyanoacrylate molecules are linked and can't slide past each other.
  • Solid polymer chains form in microscopic crevices of an object.
  • Bonds strongly with objects creating a powerful bond.

Additional Resources

• For more information, visit www.ajustlock.com