List of glues


There are many adhesive substances that are considered or commonly referred to as glue. Historically, the term only referred to protein colloids prepared from animal flesh. The meaning has been extended to refer to any fluid adhesive.

[Solvent]-type glues

Solvent adhesives temporarily dissolve the substance they are gluing, and bond by solvent-welding material together with the re-solidified material.
TypeSubtypesSourceManufactureChemistryVolatilesSafetyPropertiesShelf lifeWorking timeSettingStrengthSolventsUsesDate
KetonesAcetonedissolves ABS plasticit is volatile
KetonesPolystyrene cement/Butanone/methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)dissolves polystyreneit is volatileVapour is heavier-than-air and explosive. Toxic, neuropsychological effects. Rapidly absorbed through undamaged skin and lungs. Produces toxic ozone.
DichloromethaneDissolves:
it is volatile, boiling at 39.6°C Will also glue acrylic to wood. Clear, waterproof, exterior grades exist.24 hours to set fully.

Synthetic glues

Synthetic [monomer] glues

[Image:Super glue.jpg|thumb|A tube of Super Glue cyanoacrylate]
TypeSubtypesSourceManufactureChemistryVolatilesSafetyPropertiesShelf lifeWorking timeSettingStrengthSolventsUsesDate
Acrylonitrilesynthetic monomer-
Cyanoacrylate synthetic monomer-
Methyl acrylate synthetic monomer-

Synthetic [polymer] glues

Thermoplastic polymers

Thermoplastic glues including hot-melt adhesives cure reversibly as they cool, like the gelatin and keratin glues listed above. They frequently don't emit volatiles unless overheated.
TypeSubtypesSourceManufactureChemistryVolatilesSafetyPropertiesShelf lifeSettingStrengthSolventsUsesDate
Ethylene-vinyl acetatesyntheticpolyethylene mixed with about 11% vinyl acetate
Polyolefinssyntheticthermosetting
Polyamidessynthetic
Polyesterssynthetic
Polyurethanessynthetic
Polycaprolactonesyntheticbiodegradablevery low melting temperature, and heat conductivity means it can be moulded by hand. Can be used to mould itself.-

  • Styrene acrylic copolymer – e.g. "No More Nails"

Thermosetting polymers

Thermosetting glues or thermosets cure irreversibly by polymerization. The polymerization can be triggered by heat or other radiation, or high pressure or a catalyst/hardener may be added.
TypeSubtypesSourceManufactureChemistryVolatilesSafetyPropertiesShelf lifeWorking timeSettingStrengthSolventsUsesDate
Phenol formaldehyde resins, also called phenolic resinsResorcinol glue, Para tertiary butylphenol formaldehyde resinsyntheticresorcinol or similar is mixed with phenol to make a resin; cured by adding formaldehydeoffgasses phenol and formeldehydephenol and formeldehyde are toxic, PTBPF causes contact allergiesTemperature-, UV-, and microbe-resistant. No gap-filling; joint must fit tightly. Brown in colour, sands off.A few years, unmixed.Temperature-dependent. Will not cure at temperatures below.Needs to be clampedStructuralWater-soluble until set, waterproof after.laminating plywood, especially for exterior use; woodworking
Urea-formaldehyde gluesyntheticurea and formaldehydeoffgasses urea and formeldehydeformeldehyde is toxic, urea is an irritantthermosetting
PolysulfidessyntheticWill melt acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS and PVC plastic. Can be used to glue nylon, epoxy, and polyoxymethylene.-

By use