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Tools & Materials-Cynoacrylate adhesives.

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  • wonwinglo
    • Apr 2004
    • 5410

    #1

    Tools & Materials-Cynoacrylate adhesives.

    One adhesive which has changed the face of model building is the extensive use of a synthetic material called 'Cynoacrylate' discovered by scientists at the request of surgeons attending to the wounded in Vietnam,the material was literally used to stick skin tissues together in major operations,something that many will testify to that it will stick instantly especially human skin !

    As the substance has developed newer and more powerful versions have developed culminating into instant adhesive of high structural strength that are used in industry,one car manufacturer glues the bearings into engines and parts of the car for instant security that require a chisel to remove if ever they need replacing.

    It is true to say that many jobs would be virtually impossible to achieve without it,delicate structures that are being built up would be difficult with other conventional adhesives,it is that instant grab where cyno,the shortened name excells.

    The searching capillery reaction can be useful and on the other hand a nuisance as it spreads and locks areas that just cannot be accessed,so be warned ! protective action in the form of a light coating of vaseline to control runs needs to be taken otherwise a tedious stripdown will have to take place.

    Another area which the product is notorious is the vapour gas generated when it hits the material,a puff of smoke can easily be interpreted as a fire within inches of your workbench as your nostrils fill to the obnoxious smell of the fumes.

    Precaution is the keyword when using cyno,next time you use it walk out of the room and return to see what I mean,the fumes linger for quite some time,best to have a window open to act as an extractor for the vapours.

    A quick word about accelerators sold in conjunction with this product,at this stage not a lot is known about the health risks in using them,my guess is that they could in fact be pretty dangerous chemicals just like we took for granted with Tuolene substances in paints and thinners,the long term effects of use will only be known with the passage of time,meanwhile provided reasonable care is exercised then there should not be any real problems.

    The usefulness of these instant products in model building cannot be denied,just give them the respect that they deserve.

    If you have any stories about the use of cyno then we would all like to know about them here,the American Academy of aeronautics did a survey some years ago from ordinary users including youngsters and the results made interesting reading.

    Unlike the use of balsa cements whereby mustard substances have been added to the contents cyno is in a unique class of its own,the attempts to alleviate its odour have resulted in a product that has poor adhesive qualities,so do not be misled into thinking this is the ultimate answer or for that matter consider it safer to use,enjoy the potential and use of this product but just be aware of the problems mentioned above.

    Safe modelling is knowledgeable modelling !
  • Guest

    #2
    Hi All,

    Whilst I agree that superglue is indispensible and use it frequently, my one concern about the substance, apart from health risks, is the actual longevity of the joint, especially in working models. By excluding the air or oxygen from the joint on drying, a rather brittle, ot too rigid, contact point is made, as can be seen on so many models where little fingers have had the eyeball on the end of them!!

    Chris :dr_evil:

    Comment

    • wonwinglo
      • Apr 2004
      • 5410

      #3
      Hello Chris,I think the best way to use Cyno is as a tacker adhesive,ie if you are glueing together two pieces then apply say PVA first then leave small areas where cyno can be applied to grab the joint together,this way fiddly assemblies can be worked on much easier and you are assured of a good bond.

      I have to say that despite the concerns of joint longevity some of my models that were built almost entirely with this material some 20 years ago are still going strong,I think the quality has a big bearing,the cheap dime/pound store packs are poor quality,I rely on the zap products,more expensive but they work well.

      It is a personal choice but you are not the first to have concerns about joint longevity.

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