The world of glue

How does glue work? Did you ever wonder how glue works? Glue is an adhesive. Do you know what an adhesive is? To understand adhesives, you must first understand polymers. Although there are many ingredients used to make glue, most formulas contain polymers. A polymer is a large strand of molecules much like spaghetti.

How does glue work? One of the ingredients that make up glue is a polymer, which is derived from two Greek words. Small parts (called monomers) form a larger chain called a polymer which is used in glue.  As the glue dries, the polymer hardens and provides a bond.  The word polus means many and the word meros means parts.  Polymer means “many parts.”

polymers There are lots different types of polymers, including glue, plastic, rubber, Jell-O, camera film, materials such as nylon, and even natural fibers from wood and cotton.

The discovery of glue The first adhesive was discovered around 1750. It was made from fish. Other scientists began to make glues from rubber, animal bones, fish, starch, milk protein and casein. Original white glue was introduced by Borden's in 1947. It was named "Elmer's" after the spouse of Borden's famed dairy mascot, Elsie. Elmer’s first glue was made from a polymer found in milk called casein.

Why doesn’t glue stick to the bottle? As long as the glue remains inside the bottle away from air, it will remain fluid. Glue hardens when there is a loss of water from the formula. Exposure to the atmosphere will cause the water to evaporate and make the glue harden. That's why it is important to keep the cap on the glue bottle closed to prevent hardening or drying out.

glues and other adhesives Krazy Glue is a substance called cyanoacrylate. It was discovered by Dr. Harry Coover while working for Kodak Research Laboratories to develop clear plastic gunsights in 1942. But it was too sticky for the gun sights. About 10 years later, Coover rediscovered cyanoacrylate when he was looking for a heat- resistant, fast-drying substance that would work for jet canopies. Cyanoacrylate consists of monomers that bond together into polymers when applied to surfaces.

Adhesion and cohesion An adhesive is a substance that is capable of holding materials together by surface attachment.

glues and other adhesives Every day, we experience adhesives all around us. How many other examples can you think of?

to learn more about glue and its benefits. Check out www.elmers.com and www.adhesives.org to learn more about glue and its benefits.