Introduction
Super glue is one of those products that we all use on a daily basis without really thinking about it. But have you ever wondered who invented this amazing adhesive? This article will explore the history and invention of super glue by looking at an interview with the inventor and a historical look at its development over time.
Interview with the Inventor of Super Glue
In 1951, Dr. Harry Coover was working in the laboratory at Eastman Kodak Company when he stumbled upon the invention of super glue. He was researching new materials for use in gun sights for the military when he discovered the properties of cyanoacrylate, the main ingredient in super glue. In an interview with NPR, Dr. Coover explained that he and his team had been experimenting with different chemicals for weeks when they came across something remarkable.
“We were running an experiment with a particular monomer and I saw some drops of it on the bench and it had polymerized,” said Dr. Coover. “I picked them up and they were like little plastic beads.”
Dr. Coover and his team soon realized that they had stumbled upon something special – a strong, fast-acting adhesive that would eventually become known as super glue. Despite the potential of the invention, Dr. Coover’s superiors were not impressed and dismissed the idea. It wasn’t until several years later that the true value of super glue was recognized.
Historical Look at the Invention of Super Glue
Before the invention of super glue, adhesives were made from natural substances such as animal hide glue and plant-based materials like gum arabic. These adhesives were not very strong and often took days to dry. With the invention of synthetic adhesives such as epoxy and polyvinyl acetate (PVA), adhesives became more effective but still lacked the strength and speed of super glue.
In 1958, the Eastman Kodak Company began marketing super glue under the name “Eastman 910”. It was an instant success and quickly found its way into homes and workshops around the world. Over the next few decades, the formula for super glue was improved and refined, resulting in stronger and faster-drying adhesives.
Surprising Story Behind Discovery of Super Glue
The discovery of super glue is a fascinating story. It all started with an unexpected accident in the lab. Dr. Coover and his team had been experimenting with different chemicals for weeks when they came across something remarkable. The chemical had polymerized into tiny plastic beads, which Dr. Coover recognized as a powerful adhesive.
But the story doesn’t end there. It turns out that the same chemical that would become super glue had been synthesized in 1942 by another researcher, Dr. Fred Joyner. However, due to a lack of understanding of its properties, the adhesive was discarded and forgotten. It wasn’t until Dr. Coover’s accidental discovery that its true potential was realized.
Timeline of the Development of Super Glue
1942 – Dr. Fred Joyner first synthesizes cyanoacrylate, the main ingredient in super glue.
1951 – Dr. Harry Coover discovers the properties of cyanoacrylate during research at Eastman Kodak Company.
1958 – Eastman Kodak Company begins marketing super glue under the name “Eastman 910”.
1960s – Formula for super glue is improved and refined, resulting in stronger and faster-drying adhesives.
1970s – Super glue becomes widely available in stores.
1980s – Super glue becomes even more popular with the introduction of “no-run” formulas.
Present Day – Super glue is used in a wide variety of applications both in the home and in industry.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Super Glue Creation
The chemistry behind super glue is fascinating. Cyanoacrylate is a type of plastic polymer made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms. When it comes into contact with moisture, the molecules form strong bonds between surfaces. This is why super glue works so well – it forms a strong bond almost instantly.
What makes super glue unique is its ability to bond with a variety of materials, from wood to metal to glass. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from repairing broken dishes to sealing leaky pipes. It also has a low toxicity level, making it safe to use in many situations.
Conclusion
The invention of super glue is an interesting story that demonstrates the power of accidental discovery. It all started with an unexpected accident in the lab that led to the discovery of a powerful adhesive. From there, the formula for super glue was improved and refined, leading to the product we know today. The chemistry behind super glue is fascinating, and its unique properties make it ideal for a wide range of applications.
The invention of super glue has had a huge impact on society. It is used in countless applications and has revolutionized the way we repair and build things. The story of super glue is a testament to the power of innovation and how the most unlikely discoveries can lead to amazing results.
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