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Ask A Scientist©
Chemistry Archive
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Superglue and its Tube
name Kim W.
status student
age 30s
Question - Why dosen't superglue stick to the tube?
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"Super glue" is cyano-acrylate, CH2=CH-CO2-CN, a low molecular weight, low
viscosity liquid. It has no adhesive properties. Upon exposure to the
atmosphere it polymerizes rapidly to form a high molecular matrix. It is the
polymer that gives the adhesive properties.
Vince Calder
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Kim,
The tube is lined with a material to which the glue will not adhere. Good
as super glue is, it will not stick to any and everything. As you may
already know, it does stick to skin; so it is worthwhile to be very
careful when using it.
Regards,
ProfHoff
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