Mineral research project By: Nate Reckker and Ben Witkowski

Our question O Initial question: What chemicals/minerals are in glue that promote its sticky properties? O Our revised question became: What minerals does the chemical cyanoacrylate contain, and how does this effect the stickiness of glue?

Learning the basics O Cyanoacrylates are a group of extremely sticky adhesives that are used in many different super glues. O Glues can usually contain 15-65% cyanoacrylate O They are made up of four major chemicals: ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, butyl acetate, and octyl acetate O Cyanoacrylate sticks by seeping into the pores of the material you are gluing, and then drying by contact with the water in the air O When it dries, it forms strong polymer bonds that hold the materials together

What minerals are in it? O Though there is not really a mineral in cyanoacrylate, it is made with a mineral called kaolinite. O The chemical ethyl, before mixed in with other chemicals to make CA (cyanoacrylate), is typically mixed with kaolinite

Why kaolinite? O Kaolinite is a clay mineral that is made up of layers. O According to Gorilla Glue™, kaolinite is used because it helps create the polymer bonds that form when cyanoacrylate dries O Kaolinite is also very easy to use because it can be pulled apart in layers due to it being a silicate mineral

Why kaolinite?(cont.) O This mineral is made by chemical weathering. According to Gorilla Glue™, the chemical weathering from aluminum silicate links oxygen molecules in the layers of kaolinite, which makes the glue dry quicker when coming in contact with water vapor

What does this all mean? O Any super glue like Krazy Glue, Gorilla Glue, CA Glue, and some epoxy's will contain cyanoacrylate O A glue containing cyanoacrylate, is better for paper and wood, but wont stick to sheet metal and other flat condensed surfaces O The higher percentage of cyanoacrylate in a glue, the stronger it will be

The End! Thanks for Watching!