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What are the Different Types of Joint Glue?
There are several different types of joint glue available to individuals needing to join two substances together. Some of these glues include epoxy, wood glue, hide glue, and polyurethane glue. The type of joint glue a person uses should depend on the particular job that person has to do. The different types of joint glue can be made out of natural or out of synthetic materials and can be water-resistant. In some cases, it is even possible to re-liquefy glue after it has hardened and been set.
A type of joint glue available for use in joining materials together is wood glue. It is usually yellow or white in color and is made with a polyvinyl acetate base. The yellow type of glue is also referred to as aliphatic resin glue, while the white glue is known as hobby or craft glue. Yellow glue is tackier than white glue and items bonded with them will not move easily once they are placed together. Wood glue is commonly used for lightweight jobs and can be used in the building of objects like tables.
Animals are the source of one of the oldest types of joint glue — hide glue. Hide glue is made from collagen found in the connective tissues and hides of cattle. It is commonly found in a dried, powered form and is used by mixing it with equal parts water. The glue has to be heated before a person uses it, and the joint must be in place before the glue cools and gels. It is commonly used in the making of stringed instruments.
Polyurethane wood glue does not dry like other types of joint glue. Instead,it reacts to the moisture in the substance it is adhering and cures. The reaction between the glue and the moisture causes it to expand. As it expands, it fills any empty spaces in the substance and creating mass of solid glue. This glue can join many materials together including wood, metal, stone, ceramics, and plastics.
Another type of joint glue — epoxy glue — needs to be mixed before use. The glue comes in two parts — a hardener and a resin — which are mixed. After mixing, the glue is applied to the parts of the joint and sometimes needs time to cure before the joint is put together. However, once the parts are joined, the epoxy will bond very quickly. It is important for a person who is using this glue to use the right kind for the project because the wrong type of epoxy can destroy the materials he is working with.
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![PVC cement, a special type of joint glue, is used to join pipes together.]()
By: auremarPVC cement, a special type of joint glue, is used to join pipes together.
Discussion Comments
@spotiche5- If you are looking for the best joint glue for a strong bond, it is true that you can't get a better glue than epoxy. This type of glue dries fast, holds securely, and lasts a very long time.
I understand your concerns about the process of mixing epoxy glue, but it is really not that difficult to time consuming to do. Having to mix the resin and adhesive is actually beneficial and economical, because you only have to mix the amount that you are going to use. This allows you to save the rest of the glue for later use.
I don't like the idea of having to mix epoxy glue before using it, but I've heard that the bond it creates is unbeatable. Is this true, and is having to mix epoxy glue worth the hassle?
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