Cyanoacrylates are a family of strong fast-acting adhesives with
industrial, medical, and household uses. They are derived from ethyl
cyanoacrylate and related esters. The cyanoacrylate group in the
monomer rapidly polymerizes in the presence of water to form long,
strong chains.
The most common monomer is ethyl cyanoacrylate. Several related
esters are known. To facilitate easy handling, a cyanoacrylate
monomer is frequently formulated with an ingredient such as fumed
silica to make it more viscous or gel-like
In general, the C=C groups rapidly undergo chain-growth
polymerisation in the presence of water (specifically hydroxide ions),
forming long, strong chains, joining the bonded surfaces together.
Because the presence of moisture causes the glue to set, exposure to
normal levels of humidity in the air causes a thin skin to start to form
within seconds, which very greatly slows the reaction; hence,
cyanoacrylates are applied as thin coats to ensure that the reaction
proceeds rapidly for bonding. Cyanoacrylate adhesives have a
short shelf life-about one year from manufacture if unopened, and one
month once opened
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