Cyanoacrylates, pronounced [saɪˌænoʊˈækriˌleɪts], are a type of fast-acting adhesive commonly used in industrial and household settings. The word is a compound of two components, "cyano" and "acrylate." The "cyano" refers to the presence of a cyanide group, while "acrylate" denotes the presence of an acrylic acid ester. The spelling of the word can be challenging because of the combination of the "y," "a," and "o" sounds, as well as the presence of the letter "s" which can be easily overlooked when pronounced.
Cyanoacrylates are a type of fast-acting adhesive that belong to the family of acrylic resins. These adhesives are known for their ability to form strong and durable bonds quickly upon contact with moisture in the air or on a surface. Cyanoacrylates are often referred to as "super glues" or "instant adhesives" due to their remarkable setting time and immediate bonding capabilities.
Characterized by their unique and versatile chemical structure, cyanoacrylates consist of an acrylate monomer with a cyano group attached to its carbon-carbon double bond. This cyano group gives these adhesives their name and distinctive properties, including high bond strength, excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials, and resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, and chemicals.
Due to their popularity and effectiveness, cyanoacrylates have found numerous applications across various industries and in both consumer and industrial settings. They are commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, electronics, and automotive industries for tasks like bonding plastic, rubber, metals, ceramics, and more. In everyday life, cyanoacrylates are often used for repairing household items, DIY projects, or craft activities.
While cyanoacrylates offer exceptional bonding qualities, it is important to handle them with care due to their fast setting time and potential for skin and eye irritations. Proper ventilation and protective measures should be taken when using these adhesives to ensure safety.
The word "Cyanoacrylates" is derived from combining different elements:
1. Cyan(o)-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "kyanos" meaning "blue". It refers to the blue color of the cyano group, which contains a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.
2. Acrylate(s): The term "acrylate" stems from the compound "acrylic acid", which is derived from the Latin word "acinus" meaning "berry" due to its fruity odor. Acrylic acid is then combined with other chemicals to form various acrylate compounds.
When combined, "cyanoacrylates" refers to a family of strong adhesives that are formed through the polymerization of cyanoacrylate monomers.