When it comes to adhesives, what factors determine the success or failure of achieving optimal strength and durability? Whether it’s in the construction of bridges, the aerospace industry, or automotive manufacturing, the integrity of adhesive bonds can mean everything. Something you may not realize plays a significant role in enhancing the strength of adhesive bonds: nitrogen. Really!
How it Works
Nitrogen finds its way into adhesives in various forms, but one of the most notable applications is in cyanoacrylate polymer, more commonly known as super glue. As you probably know, this fast-acting adhesive is used most commonly for its ability to create strong bonds quickly. However, without proper formulation, bonds can often become brittle and weakened. This is where nitrogen comes into play.
One of the challenges with cyanoacrylate adhesives is their tendency to dry out too quickly, especially in low-humidity environments. However, by incorporating nitrogen into the formulation, manufacturers can slow down the curing process, allowing for more time to position and align the bonded parts. This produces a tough and fairly malleable film that coats the outer layer of the glue. The glue is then less prone to separating or becoming brittle and peeling after it has dried. In other words, the nitrogen infused within the adhesive creates a much stronger and more durable bond!
Applications
The applications of nitrogen-bonded adhesives are vast and varied, spanning across multiple industries where strong and reliable bonds are essential.
Nitrogen-bonding principles are present in nitroglycerin, for example, which also contains nitrogen as the bonding agent, and is used in many industrial and construction adhesives. One example of this is in bridge construction. The ability to create robust bonds that withstand heavy loads and ceaseless environmental stresses is critical for ensuring the safety and constitution of our world’s bridges.
Alternatively, in the aerospace industry–where lightweight materials and high-performance components are the norm–nitrogen-bonded adhesives are, likewise, indispensable. These adhesives are used in the assembly of aircraft structures, where they provide exceptional bonding strength while keeping weight to a minimum. In the automotive sector, nitrogen-bonded adhesives find application in body panel assembly, interior trim bonding, and windshield installation. With the demand for lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles on the rise, automakers rely on these advanced adhesives to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity.
Takeaway
Although nitrogen is invisible, its crucial role in adhesive bonds is reflected in our everyday lives, from the cars we drive to the bridges we drive them across. By leveraging nitrogen in adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylate polymers, manufacturers can create bonds that are not only strong but also flexible and long-lasting.
Looking for a reliable supplier of nitrogen in the Los Angeles area? CalOx has more than eight decades of experience providing businesses like yours with the essential food-grade and medical-grade gases they need. Contact us today!