Traditional cyanoacrylate adhesives and their problems
Cyanoacrylate adhesives have long been used for bonding plastics, underwater applications, cosmetics, orthopaedics and numerous other materials.
Traditionally, cyanoacrylate adhesives have been manufactured using the Knoevenagel process. This has created the two most common types of cyanoacrylates: Ethyl Cyanoacrylate (ECA) and Methoxyethyl Cyanoacrylate (MECA).
Two main problems present themselves with cyanoacrylate adhesives manufactured in this way:
- Moisture is required for curing – being time-consuming and often demanding the use of a solvent.
- Thermal cracking is required for curing – demanding temperatures up to 180°C and often only leading to low- to moderate-yields.
As a result, adhesive manufacturers have been looking for ways to create cyanoacrylate adhesives that:
- Cure faster
- Consume less energy
- Don’t require moisture to cure
- Don’t require high temperature
- Produce a higher yield
- Are cheap/easy to manufacture
“Crackless”; new developments in cyanoacrylate adhesives
Bostik have managed to address these challenges in the development of their patented “Crackless” process.
The Crackless process has led to the production of new MECA-based cyanoacrylate adhesives. These adhesives are environmentally sustainable due to their significantly lower energy requirements than the Knoevenagel process, instant curing, non-toxic, produce a higher yield, create less odour, and result in lower blooming.
These factors make them more efficient, safe and versatile solutions for all bonding purposes. The low bloom, in particular, allows them to be used in consumer electronics and fashion industries where clean, spotless bonding is essential.
In addition, their non-toxicity allows them to be used in a variety of medical treatment applications, such as the closure of skin incisions and lacerations.
Bostik Crackless cyanoacrylate adhesives
Bostik’s progress in this field has led to the development of their Born2Bond™ Instant Adhesives – a range of cyanoacrylate adhesives manufactured using the Crackless process.
Born2Bond™ Instant Adhesives are able to be manufactured more efficiently and sustainably, allowing worldwide availability and affordability to customers. In addition, they provide greater flexibility, coating properties and load-carrying capability.
They are easy to use, instant curing, less brittle than conventional instant adhesives, low odour, low bloom and offer a long open time and high bond strength.
Discover how Bostik’s Crackless cyanoacrylate adhesives have been successfully used for repairing speakers, vehicle conversions and bus manufacturing, electric bike manufacturing and smartwatch bonding.
