Have you ever found yourself agonizing over what glue you need for your next home improvement project? There are so many brands to choose from, including Krazy Glue and Super Glue. So, what’s the difference?
Krazy Glue is the same as Super Glue. Both products are brand names for cyanoacrylate adhesive. Cyanoacrylate is an acrylic monomer that forms strong and durable bonds on any surface where moisture is present. The two companies started business in 1973 and 1958, respectively.
Read on to learn about cyanoacrylate adhesive, more commonly known as ‘super glue,’ and the Krazy Glue and Super Glue brands.
What Is Cyanoacrylate Adhesive (AKA Super Glue)?
Super glue gets marketed under various brand names, including Permabond, Infinity Bond, and Krazy Glue. However, the scientific name for super glue is cyanoacrylate adhesive. This adhesive is a quick-bonding glue that can combine almost anything, including plastics, metals, and wood.
How Does Cyanoacrylate Glue Work?
To understand how this adhesive works, take a look at the composition. Most adhesives, like Elmer’s white glue, for instance, are water-based. Water-based glues form bonds as the base water evaporates from the adhesive.
In this case, adding moisture again can break down this bond relatively easily. This ease of removal makes white glue an excellent option for children’s craft projects. Cyanoacrylate glue, on the other hand, is very different.
The main ingredient in cyanoacrylate glue is cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate is a monomer. This simple molecule links with other monomers to form a macromolecule (or polymer). A cyanoacrylate monomer is also acrylic. Acrylic, or plexiglass, is a highly flexible, moldable plastic. In sum, cyanoacrylate is a plastic molecule that links with other plastic molecules to form a giant plastic molecule.
However, cyanoacrylate glue cannot bond on its own. Moisture must be present for this adhesive to stick to another material. Since water is present in ambient temperatures, this is not too hard to come by. When cyanoacrylate adhesive meets water, a strong bonding chemical reaction occurs known as curing. The resulting bond is much stronger than ordinary household glue, making it better for more industrial projects.
What To Consider When Using Cyanoacrylate Glue
If you are new to using cyanoacrylate adhesive, there are a few essential things you should know. There are plenty of variations of this adhesive on the market.
One defining feature, viscosity, will help you decide which type of cyanoacrylate glue is best for your project. Furthermore, you may run into some issues, like an accidental application to your skin or a dry surface that will not cure. It is vital to know how to handle these situations correctly.
Different Glues Have Varying Levels of Viscosity
The simple definition of viscosity is a liquid’s thickness. However, this becomes complicated when comparing fluids with varying densities. Therefore, the scientifically correct definition of viscosity is the amount of internal friction present between a fluid’s molecules. Viscosity measures how much energy is required for the liquid to flow.
When comparing cyanoacrylate adhesives, different viscosity levels suit various projects. For example, low to medium viscosity formulas are better for binding wood and rubber. However, high viscosity formulas are more effective at binding vertically or on a porous surface.
Acetone Can Assist With Glue Removal
Accidental application of cyanoacrylate glue on your skin is a scary thought. While we do not endorse applying significant amounts to your skin, an unexpected application is a common and easily resolvable issue. Acetone, also known as nail polish remover, can dissolve the cyanoacrylate bond without damaging your skin. You can also use this remedy on surfaces afflicted with super glue.
Cyanoacrylate Glue Needs Moisture To Cure
Sometimes, cyanoacrylate glue will not adhere when you need it. This problem results from a lack of moisture on the applied surface. In this case, adding a thin layer of water will do the trick on most materials. There are exceptions, however, like heat-resistant plastics. In these cases, swap out the cyanoacrylate glue for an epoxy adhesive.
What Is Krazy Glue?
Krazy Glue is a name-brand adhesive introduced to the North American market in 1973. Like most retail brand ‘super glues’, Krazy Glue consists of ethyl cyanoacrylate. Currently, Newell Rubbermaid owns the brand, along with school-grade adhesive company Elmer’s.
What Is the Original Super Glue Corporation?
The Original Super Glue Corporation, also known as Super Glue, was one of the first companies to profit off cyanoacrylate adhesives in 1958. They are most famous for a public test of the product that showcased a car permanently adhered to a crane. This moment was so notorious that the company uses this image in all of its marketing.
While Super Glue Corp started as a hobby plane kit manufacturer, the company has evolved into an adhesive giant.
Final Thoughts
Krazy Glue is the same as Super Glue. All super glues consist of cyanoacrylate adhesive, a monomer that forms strong bonds wherever moisture is present. While these adhesives may vary by viscosity, Krazy Glue and other brands like Super Glue, Permabond, Infinity Bond, and Gorilla Glue all use the same base ingredient. The only significant difference is that Super Glue sold the adhesive before Krazy Glue.