By definition, glue is made from animal byproducts such as skins and bones. An adhesive is any product that joins materials together. Today, the words "glue" and "adhesive" have become interchangeable.
* Natural Glues are made from animal byproducts (hide glue and casein) and plant sources (paste, cellulose and rubber). * Synthetic Adhesives include epoxy, cyanoacrylate, contact cement, hot melt, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), resin, resorcinol, silicone, spray and urea formaldehyde. Whether natural or synthetic, the bond is formed as the liquid dries and hardens. Practically any material can be joined with one of these products. As Lady Macbeth advises, "Screw your courage to the sticking place" and find the right adhesive for the job. Just remember to read the label first and follow the instructions carefully. Glue Type Primary Use/Features Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) or White Glue * For wood, engineered wood, paper, crafts and simple projects. * Most commonly available in plastic squeeze bottles. * Begins to set within one hour, dries clear. * Easy clean up, doesn't stain, nontoxic, nonflammable. * Not waterproof. * Work needs to be clamped for best results. Aliphatic Resin or Yellow Carpenter's Glue * For woodworking. * "Refined" version of PVA. * Packaged in squeeze bottles. * Varieties may be white, yellow or brown. * Begins to set within 15 minutes. * Water-resistant nontoxic, nonflammable. * More resistant to temperature and water than white glue. * Work needs to be clamped for best results. * Used for indoor and outdoor applications. Urea Formaldehyde or Plastic Resin * For furniture-making. * Begins to set in 4 hours. * Powder is mixed with water to form adhesive * Water-resistant. Resorcinol * For wood construction. * Used for waterproof bond of veneers or laminates to wood. * For exterior applications. * Powder is mixed with water to form adhesive. * Use caution, resorcinol can stain. Epoxy * For general repair or bonding of tile, metal, glass, hard plastics and non-porous materials. * Begins to set within 5 minutes. * Extremely strong. * Two parts (resin and catalyst) are combined to create a chemical reaction. This reaction quickly forms a bond. * Use caution, epoxy is toxic and flammable. * Resists almost anything, from water to solvents. Cyanoacrylates Instant or Super Glue * For general repair or bonding of most surfaces * 1-2 drops is all that's needed for instant adhesion. * Used to reconnect same materials (like a broken plate) or bond different materials. * They expand as they cure, filling any gaps in joints. Cellulose * For wood, china, glass and most fabrics. * More than one coat may be recommended. * Waterproof. Contact Cement * For bonding wood veneer and plastic laminates to countertops. * Water-resistant. * Applied to both surfaces needing to be bonded. * After a designated curing time, the two work pieces are put together * Forms an instant bond, leaving no margin for error. * Water-based versions are nonflammable. Hot Melt * For crafts, general projects and repair. * Requires an electric glue gun. * Adhesive is a 2-4" glue stick that is inserted into the gun. Heat converts solid to liquid for application. * Begins to set in about a minute as it cools and solidifies. * Fills gaps for good adhesion. Polyurethane * For woodworking. * Requires moistening of one or both sides of the materials to be joined. * Creates a strong bond. * Can be difficult to clean up. Caulks * For adhering and sealing. * Types include silicone, acrylic latex and polyurethane. * Tolerant of heat, cold and moisture. * Bond is flexible. * Comes in tube and requires a caulking gun. * Good for outdoor applications. * Solvent types are toxic. Spray * For lighter materials such as paper. * Aerosol application for an almost instantaneous bond. * Be careful to avoid overspray. Animal Glues * For furniture making and woodworking. They are easy to work with, but less resistant to heat or cold. * Hide glue - made from bones, hoofs and skin from animals and fish. The dry form is mixed and heated (in a glue pot). The gelatinous mixture is applied with brush. * Casein - made from milk, powdered and reformulated with water. Casein creates a waterproof bond. list end Plant Glues * For various applications. * Starch - as in flour and water paste. A more refined example is wallpaper paste. * Cellulose - derived from plants. Used on wallpaper and book-binding. * Rubber - combined with synthetic compounds to form an adhesive. Creates a flexible bond. list end Anaerobic * For securing threaded fasteners (screws and bolts). * Cures without the assistance of oxygen. * Available in permanent and removable versions. * Resists corrosion and withstands exposure to petroleum and other chemicals. Safety Precautions Always read the label for specific safety information. In general: * Use adhesives in a well-ventilated area. * Avoid contact with the skin. * Keep the product away from children. * Check to see if the adhesive is flammable or toxic while in use or after drying. * Remember that when using solvent-based products, odor may remain for some time. * Wear gloves and a respirator if recommended on the label. Tips for Good Gluing It's wise to have an all-purpose glue on hand at home at all times. Sometimes you'll need a more specialized adhesive. Read the product label carefully before you purchase for instructions on use. Here are some general tips: * Know your requirements - moisture, temperatures, movement, visibility, before you go shopping. * Read the label carefully to see product recommendations for interior and/or exterior use. * If the adhesive will be used for woodworking, determine whether the product is sandable or stainable. * Don't use too much - a thin coat usually works best. * Try bonding a test piece to see if the adhesive stains. * Keep the container closed - exposure to air will harden most adhesives. * Unless you're using an adhesive that bonds immediately, clamp your work for a stronger bond. * Clean away excess as soon as possible. * Prepare the materials to be joined. In general, surfaces must be sound, clean and dry. Some adhesives recommend "roughing" the surface to promote a better bond. * Setting and curing times will vary based on the temperature. Adhesives can also expand or contract due to temperature or humidity fluctuations. * Mix any glue components carefully. * Know the open time for your adhesive. The open time is the time after the adhesive is applied and before it starts to set. This is the time that allows you to reposition material if necessary. * Combine adhesives with another fastening system such as dowels, nails or screws for maximum holding. Construction Adhesives In addition to the standard products for the weekend do-it-yourselfer, a more specialized group of products exists. Known as construction adhesives, they include several types of products used in building and remodeling. Their main purpose is to reduce the need for nails, screws and other fastening devices. Considered "heavy-duty," these products have specific qualities, uses and methods of application. In general, they are: * Flexible, waterproof and weatherproof for outdoor use. * Formulated to join wood, plastic, concrete, masonry and metal in building applications. * Used in roofing, drywall, flooring, subflooring, plumbing, paneling, cove base, tile and wood. * Solvent- or water-based. * Applied in beads from a tube and caulk gun or in layers with a trowel. ********************************************************************** This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete the e-mail. Any content of this message and its attachments which does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by Eraring Energy. 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