Rubber is an elastic, versatile material widely used in a range of industries for its unique properties such as flexibility, durability, and resistance to water, electricity, and abrasion. It is made from natural and synthetic sources such as latex from rubber trees, styrene-butadiene, and neoprene. Rubber’s elasticity derives from its polymer chains which can stretch without breaking. It is an essential product that is used in vehicle tires, seals, hoses, and footwear. It can insulate against heat and water. In this article, we find out what the best glue for rubber is. Criteria for Selection Before we can select the…
Author: Tom Powell
Glass is a versatile material with unique properties and diverse applications. It is made from silica, a type of sand and other raw materials through heating and cooling processes. It forms an amorphous and non-crystalline structure once completed. Glass is resistant to most chemicals except for strong acids. It has limited thermal resistance but acts as a strong insulator. There are many glass types, including soda-lime, borosilicate, tempered, fiberglass, and optical glass. Below we discuss the criteria for selecting the best glue for glass. Criteria for Selection Selecting the best glue for glass involves evaluating key criteria such as bonding…
Styrofoam is the brand name trademark associated with the material expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene foam. Styrofoam is a synthetic polymer derived from polystyrene that is sourced from petroleum or natural gas. The most common variation of expanded polystyrene is made of expanding beads that with exposure to heat result in a lightweight open-cell structure. Criteria for Selection When working with polystyrene foam, choosing the right adhesive is crucial to achieving a long-lasting durable bond. Styrofoam is a lightweight and fragile material and very sensitive to chemical solvents. Therefore, some key criteria require consideration before selecting the best glue for…
Glue is an essential everyday item useful in the household, workshop, or classroom. Whether you are repairing a broken vase, building a display case, or assembling furniture, glue plays a pivotal role in helping you meet your objective. However, glue does not last forever and does have an expiration date. This comprehensive post delves into the shelf life of glue and how to spot if your glue has expired. Understanding Glue Shelf Life Glue, like many other products, does have a shelf life. Adhesives contain chemical formulations to bond materials together but over time, these compounds degrade. The expiration date…
Ceramics is a versatile and durable material mainly made up of inorganic, metallic compounds like clay, silica, and feldspar. These materials are shaped and then processed at high temperatures to create rigid, heat-resistant products. Ceramic has a high compression capability, great thermal resistance, and electrical insulation. It has traditionally been used in semiconductors, medical devices, tiles, and kitchenware. One of the main negatives about ceramics is that they are brittle and prone to fracture under stress which is important to select the best adhesive for ceramics so you can repair them when needed. Criteria for Selection Ceramics are brittle and…
Acrylic is a versatile material that is used in all types of applications. Acrylic plastic also referred to as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a transparent thermoplastic that is made from the polymerization of acrylic acid. Acrylic is lightweight but resilient and has excellent optical clarity comparable to glass. Acrylic plastic is found in a wide range of products including picture frames, windows, vehicle lights, and display cases. In this article, we explore the best glue for acrylic plastics. Criteria for Selection When selecting a glue for acrylic you must define the criteria on which to assess it. Luckily, we’ve gathered…
Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is made from fine-particle clay known as kaolin and mixed with other materials such as feldspar and quartz. High-quality porcelain is generally translucent which gives it an elegant and refined appearance. Porcelain is also water-proof due to its vitrified structure. However, porcelain is brittle and will crack if subject to sudden impact or uneven pressure. Criteria for Selection Selecting the best glue for porcelain requires defining the key criteria to ensure durability, performance, and ease of application. Porcelain is a delicate and perhaps fragile material that requires an adhesive suited to its…
Plexiglass, formally regarded as polymethyl methacrylate is a versatile and transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Plexiglass is commonly sold under brands such as Acrylic, Lucite, and Plexiglas. Plexiglass is a clear material which means that the adhesive you use must also uphold this level of transparency. In fact, plexiglass allows up to 92% light transmission and it is also significantly lighter than glass. Plexiglass is also resistant to shattering but instead cracks which is safer and less hazardous. Applications for plexiglass include windows, windshields, aquarium walls, and protective shields. In this article, we explore…
Adhesives are substances used to bond materials together by creating a surface attachment that resists separation. They work by interacting with the surfaces of the materials, commonly referred to as substrates, through either mechanical adhesion, chemical bonding, or a combination of both. Adhesives come in various forms such as liquids, pastes, films, and tapes, and can be classified based on their chemical composition or how they cure. Some common types include epoxy, cyanoacrylate (super glue), hot melt adhesives, and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA). Adhesives are essential in a wide range of industries, from construction and automotive manufacturing to packaging and electronics.…