Technical characteristics of the glue stick, which is better and how to make it at home
Everyone knows adhesives. People glue leather and fur, paper and plastic, metal and ceramics. Glue is purchased as needed. But there is a kind of glue mass that has become so popular that it can be found in every household. This is glue stick. Its popularity has grown for a reason. Convenient packaging, ease of use, wide range of applications, long shelf life make it essential for home and office, school and kindergarten.
Description and characteristics
A glue stick is a mass of solid glue packaged in a plastic tube. The particularity of the tube is the presence of a rotating part, which makes it possible to extract the column of glue as it is used. The big advantage of a glue stick over liquid formulations is that no additional tools are needed for gluing.
When working, the adhesive does not stain your hands. The glue is easy to use. Thanks to its sealed packaging, you can take it with you in your bag and even in your pocket. It's economical.The working surface is covered with glue evenly.
The glue is completely safe. It does not contain any toxic substances. When using a glue stick, there is no risk of flooding furniture or ruining work. The glue is stored for a long time. Its shelf life is 36 months. Suitable for use in schools and kindergartens.
Composition and properties
There are two types of glue sticks. They are made on the basis of PVA and PVP. These bases are humectants. Working qualities and application of formulations differ from each other.
PVA-based
The base of the PVA glue stick is made of polyvinyl acetate. The active ingredient is glycerol. It is a synthetic component, which is a viscous transparent liquid. Glycerol is viscous. It doesn't smell. The moisturizing properties of glycerol are inferior to those of glycerin. Various components are added to PVA glue to improve its quality:
- tricresyl phosphate,
- EDOS,
- acetone,
- esters.
These substances improve the adhesion of the adhesive. PVA glue dries faster. The shelf life of PVA pencil glue is 1.5-2 years. After that, the rod dries up and turns into a dense plastic cylinder. In doing so, it separates from the tube. But the surface fixing time is also shorter. It only takes 2 minutes for the glue mass of a PVA pencil to dry completely.
The PVA glue stick allows exposure to high temperatures. But its lower threshold is limited to 15 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, the adhesive hardens quickly. It becomes difficult or even impossible to spread it. PVA glue does not dissolve in water. He is not afraid of oil attacks. Atmospheric phenomena are not reflected in it in any way. The only thing he doesn't like is temperature changes.
Conclusion. PVA glue stick has a wider range of applications.
PvP
The base of the PVP glue stick is glycerin. It is a natural substance that effectively protects the glue from drying out. Glycerin absorbs moisture from the environment. He is able to hold it for a long time.
The PVP-based glue stick retains its excellent bonding properties for up to 3 years.
The speed of drying the finished work increases up to 5 minutes. Unlike PVA, the PVP pencil not only connects parts of cardboard and paper. He glues photographic paper and fabric. The glue is more resistant to low temperatures than PVA. He is less afraid of his drops. The paper after pasting the PVP is not deformed. The adhesive does not change the color of the materials to be bonded.
The composition of PVP glue is more complex. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. We can only talk about a small list of components that can be included in it in addition to glycerin:
- The water. It serves as a natural solvent. Evaporation allows the composition to harden.
- Acrylic polymer is the main adhesive component, thanks to which the substance, when dry, polymerizes.
- Sodium stearate is a substance that makes the glue mass more plastic and facilitates rubbing.
- Polyethylene glycol - This substance is added to the adhesive to maintain flexibility.
- Polyoxyethylene monooctylphenyl ether is a chemical compound that acts as an emulsifier, providing an emulsion when mixing different components.
- N-vinylpyrrolidone polymer is an ingredient that improves polymerization.
- Aminomethylpropanol is a buffer that neutralizes acids and aids in the safe application of the adhesive.
- Sodium hydroxide is an alkali. It is added to maintain the neutral pH balance of the adhesive.
The glue stick may contain hydrogen peroxide and caprolactam, which give plasticity to the mass. If the glue stretches forming wicks, it is the action of the caprolactam.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are no perfect solutions. The glue stick has its pros and cons. Users understand the following positive features:
- Convenience. Easy to store, carry, can be taken with you.
- Ease of use. I opened the lid, took out the rod - and the pencil is ready to go.
- Profitability. The glue spreads well on the surface, no excess remains.
- Security. Glue sticks do not have a strong smell. They do not contain harmful substances and do not cause allergies.
- Hygiene. No glue spillage. It is impossible for them to stain furniture and hands.
- No usage restrictions. Adults and children work for them.
- Storage period.
- At low price.
- Washes off quickly with water.
Among the cons, picky consumers noted:
- low adhesive power: not all types of paper can be glued;
- quick drying after one use;
- bad smears on paper;
- not universal.
Negative reviews were for products from different manufacturers. And the rules for storing and using glue pencil by people who left negative reviews cannot be verified.
Technical characteristics and purpose
Despite the differences in composition, glue sticks have a number of common characteristics:
- Glue sticks are non-toxic. They do not leave burns or other damage to the skin. The adhesive is not harmful to health, even if swallowed.
- Ergonomic Glue stick won't spill, stain hands or furniture. The packaging is compact and convenient. The glue dries quickly.
- Profitability.Minimum consumption and long shelf life.
The glue stick is intended for gluing paper and cardboard. Depending on the composition, it is used to join parts made of fabric and photographic paper.
They cannot be pasted:
- glass,
- metal,
- Plastic,
- ceramic.
For these materials, other stronger formulations are required.
Features of use
There is no subtlety in using a glue stick. Enough:
- Open the lid.
- Extend the stem.
- Coat the work surface.
- Attach to the pasting area.
- Press and smooth.
Manufacturers recommend keeping the lid tightly closed. Air penetration will reduce the life of the crayon.Children working with glue sticks should be supervised by adults. It is advisable to avoid contact with clothing.
If this happens, the wardrobe will need to be sent to the wash. The glue is washed off with warm water with ordinary powders.
Review of popular brands
There are many glue sticks from different manufacturers on sale. It is quite difficult to answer the question which one is the best. But knowing the main suppliers of glue glue in the consumer market is worth it.
Erich krause joy
Erich Krause is an international company. It produces stationery, art supplies, school bags and backpacks, gifts and decorative items. Goods are sold through the company's sales network and distributors. Erich Krause Joy glue sticks are considered by consumers to be one of the best on the market. The special thing is that the adhesive is tinted. The color disappears after joining the parts.This allows the entire work surface to be covered with adhesive without leaving any dry spots. Children are amused by the glue chameleon.
Erich Krause Joy - PVP glue, which makes it possible to glue paper, cardboard, textiles. It is convenient to work with him in the office and to be creative at home.
Crystal of Krause Erich
Erich Krause Crystal is another product from Erich Krause. This is a transparent glue stick. The adhesive is intended for bonding paper, cardboard and photographs. It's elastic. Applies evenly and leaves no residue. Also well suited for office work and activities with children. Users noted only one drawback - the relatively high price. But none of them regretted the purchase.
Kores
Kores is a fairly well-known manufacturing company in Australia. The family business is engaged in the production of office supplies and school supplies. Kores glue stick is a PVP glue. Glycerin, which is part of its composition, brings smoothness to the glide. The pencil does not dry long. Its traces are well washed off with water. Colorless glue. The sealed package reliably protects the pencil from drying out. Kores glue stick glue paper, textiles, photo paper, cardboard.
Comus
Komus is a Russian. This trading and manufacturing company has been operating in the country since 1990. The company was founded on the basis of a student cooperative. Komus produces and sells:
- stationery store;
- paper;
- cardboard;
- packaging;
- Office supplies;
- Consumables;
- office furniture.
The Komus glue stick is filled with PVP glue. Its purpose is to glue paper, cardboard, fabric and photographs. The glue is transparent. There is no glue pigment in it. Consumers note the good price-performance ratio, high glue performance and excellent elasticity.
Choice criteria
When choosing a glue stick, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
- The glue applies easily and evenly to the paper.
- There are no solvents in the glue stick.
- It is odorless.
- The rod does not fall out of the tube even when completely unscrewed.
- The quality corresponds to GOST.
The resistance test aims to check the quality of adhesion. It is not difficult to achieve. A good glue stick should stick the pieces together within 3-4 minutes.
After this time, when trying to tear, the glued parts should tear, but not peel off.
How to do at home
It is possible to make a glue stick with your own hands:
- A piece of ordinary laundry soap should be grated or cut into small shavings with a knife.
- Take 2 parts soap base and 1 part water. Mix everything in a metal container and put in a bain-marie. Steam until the soap is completely dissolved.
- Add 3-4 tablespoons of PVA glue to the hot mass, stir until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Pack the white paraffin-like mass in a container in which the glue will be stored.
If the mass is not thick enough, add soap shavings to it and repeat the process of steaming in a water bath.
Application rules
The rules for using an adult glue stick are obvious. But you should periodically remind children of them. They are the following:
- Work only at the table, after preparing the workplace and putting away the equipment.
- Work on oilcloth or backing sheet.
- Remove excess glue with a paper towel.
- When working, do not wipe your hands on clothes, you should use a towel.
- Don't touch your face with glue-stained hands.
- You can't taste the glue.
- Do not touch your eyes with dirty hands.
- After work, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water.
Adults should also remember these rules, especially points related to personal hygiene.
Tips & Tricks
People who regularly use glue sticks share tips for buying and using:
- When buying, you need to sniff the pencil. If even a slight hint of chemicals is felt, the purchase should be abandoned.
- The glue stick should have a homogeneous mass without lumps.
- When buying glue, you need to pay attention to the lid. It should be tightly curled or snug. Sealing the tube will prolong the life of the pencil.
- If during the work the glue stick was left open for a long time, and its top layer dried out, then it is not difficult to restore the working qualities. Just close the pencil tightly and let it rest for 5 hours. The hardened layer will regain its original properties.
And the last tip for glue stick lovers - stay tuned. Disappearing color chameleon pencils and pencils with a triangle sticker are on sale. They are much more convenient to use than their colorless round predecessors.