Cyanoacrylates (also called CA, instant adhesive or super glue) are very reactive and require stabilizers to remain liquid. They cure when the minute amount of moisture on the surface of the parts deactivate the stabilizers and allow the material to polymerize.
Use only enough adhesive to cover the bond joint. When bonding with cyanoacrylate adhesive, less is best.
It is also important to note the gap fill capabilities of the cyanoacrylate. Exceeding the maximum gap fill recommendations of the manufacturer can result in incomplete cure and low strength. Adding moisture or water after attempting to cure will not produce an effective cure through a larger than recommended gap. However, cyanoacrylate bond accelerators are available to cure the surface of the cyanoacrylate and to allow a stronger bond through larger gaps. Accelerators can also be used to treat porous or acidic surfaces prior to cyanoacrylate bonding. Treating a porous surface with accelerator causes the adhesive to cure before it can wick into the porosities.
Click for more information on Cyanoacrylate adhesives or Contact us so we can help you select the right adhesive for your application.