How to use rubber glue and what are its features?

Due to their waterproofness, reliability and elasticity, rubber glue has a wide range of applications. Rubber glue (English rubber cement) is a bonding substance consisting of rubber and a special solvent. It may differ in composition and scope, so before buying, you must definitely familiarize yourself with the characteristics and features of all types of this tool.

Features

Most often, rubber glue is used to connect elastic parts. The fact is that after hardening in structure, it really looks like rubber. However, when buying such an adhesive, you must try to make it similar in composition to the parts to be joined.

The composition of rubber glue may include not only natural rubber, but also synthetic. Ethyl acetate, chlorine-containing or organic compounds can be used as a solvent. The recipes for all manufacturers are different, so the properties of the adhesive of different brands may vary.

The main feature of glue based on rubber - its use is allowed with paper, textile, glass, wood, metal and other materials. It is widely used in the shoe, furniture and automobile industries. However, this glue can be purchased for domestic purposes.

Types of Rubber Adhesive

The classification of rubber glue is carried out according to two criteria: by the amount of solids and by the composition of rubber. At the moment, in accordance with GOST 2179-78 and TU, the amount of solids varies between 6-8% and 8-12%. Rubber glue, which contains 6-8% solids, is produced under brand A, respectively, a quantitative show of 8-12% is characteristic of rubber glue under brand B.

Tip

If rubber glue complies with GOST, this guarantees quality and safety. Therefore, before buying, you should familiarize yourself with its quality certificate.

A wider classification has liquid rubber by the composition of the rubber present in it. Natural rubber glue is not suitable for use in some industrial fields, therefore, special compounds based on synthetic material have been developed. The fact is that natural rubber glue has a low resistance to aggressive environments and high temperatures.

The most common types of rubber glue include the following.

1. Adhesive based on natural rubber. The vulcanizing agent in its composition is sulfur. Rubber glue is suitable for joining elements of paper, leather and fabric.
2. Chloroprene rubber adhesive. For vulcanization, divalent metal oxides are added to its composition. It has the most reliable connecting abilities, therefore it is used for gluing parts made of metal, wood, glass and plastic.
3. Adhesive containing nitrile butadiene rubber. Sulfur also acts as a vulcanizing agent, but only with the addition of a group of thiurams. This adhesive is water resistant and is used for materials such as metal, wood, glass and ceramics.
4. Silicone rubber adhesive. The hardening of such a compound is carried out only under the influence of tetrabutoxylan. Its spectrum of action is limited: it is intended only for connecting homogeneous rubber.
5. Styrene butadiene rubber adhesive. Due to the weak adhesive ability, it is used only for production purposes, in particular for the manufacture of adhesive tape.

Other synthetic rubbers can also serve as the basis for rubber glue, but their use is very limited. Therefore, they do not go to retail stores.

Stamps and cost of rubber glue

To systematize the information and make it more accessible for ordinary users, all data on popular brands of glue, their application and cost are placed in the table.

The table below shows the approximate cost of the goods. Prices for similar products may vary depending on the trade premium charged by the seller.

How to choose rubber glue?

To choose the right rubber glue, you need to clearly understand where it will be used. Before buying, you need to answer a number of questions that will reveal the exact requirements for its properties and characteristics.

1. Will the product be heated or cooled? Different compounds withstand different temperature ranges. Therefore, if it is planned to use rubber glue in aggressive conditions, care should be taken that it is intended for these purposes.
2. Will the product undergo deformation, shock or vibration? Almost any rubber glue has a high resistance to mechanical stress. But there are special varieties that have increased resistance to tensile forces.
3. What size stitch should be applied to the product? For thin seams, more fluid compositions are chosen, for thick ones, thicker ones.
4. What materials need to be glued together? In order to choose the right glue, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the scope of its application.
5. Will glue come in contact with food? Many types of glue are extremely toxic. Therefore, for gluing dishes, it is necessary to choose special safe compounds.

All properties of the adhesive can be found in its instructions for use. You can also ask for help from the seller, who will be able to advise on the available range. The main thing is to correctly and fully provide him with all the necessary requirements for the goods.

Instructions for use

First of all, you need to prepare the surface of the product. To do this, it must be cleaned and degreased. The fact is that various contaminants contribute to a decrease in the connecting ability and reliability of the composition. Simply put, parts will soon have to be glued together again. To clean the surface using special cleaners or solvents.

It is important when using rubber glue to follow the instructions for use. As a rule, it is indicated on the packaging or in a special insert. If according to the technology of using glue it is necessary to heat it to a certain temperature, then all manipulations should be carried out outdoors. To heat the composition, it is most advisable to use a technical hair dryer.

Do not use rubber glue near an open flame. Almost all compounds are flammable, therefore, safety precautions must be strictly observed.