Why Super Glue Is Perfect For Gluing Skin
Super glue, or cyanoacrylate, was accidentally discovered by Harry Coover in 1942 while searching for clear plastics. It works by reacting with water to form long, strong chains that stick to surfaces. This reaction makes it set quickly on most materials, including skin, due to the presence of moisture and negative ions. While incredibly strong in tension, it is brittle and weak to sudden impacts or forces applied perpendicular to its bonds. It also doesn't stick to certain plastics like polyethylene because they lack reactive sites. Scientists are now exploring heating super glue to break it back into its original liquid form, which could help solve plastic recycling problems by allowing it to be reused without losing quality.
Key Vocabulary
Individuals skilled in a variety of small repairs and maintenance tasks, typically around a home or small business.
Examples:
- The apartment complex hired a team of handymen to address all tenant repair requests.
- My grandfather was a true handyman; he could fix anything that broke around the house.
- Many handymen offer services ranging from plumbing to electrical work.
A small, compact mass of something, often with an irregular shape.
Examples:
- After the rain, a small clump of mud was stuck to the bottom of my shoe.
- She gathered a clump of wildflowers from the meadow to put in a vase.
- The old paint had dried into a hard clump at the bottom of the can.
Poisonous substances produced by living organisms, or in a broader sense, any poisonous substance that can harm the body.
Examples:
- The doctor explained that certain foods can release toxins if not stored properly.
- The body's liver works to filter out harmful toxins from the bloodstream.
- Exposure to these industrial toxins can cause serious health problems.
The established set of attitudes held by someone, influencing their behavior and decisions.
Examples:
- To achieve success, it's crucial to adopt a positive mindset.
- His mindset was focused on continuous improvement, leading to consistent progress.
- A fixed mindset can limit one's potential for growth and learning.
A rounded handle or a projecting part, typically for operating a mechanism or for decoration.
Examples:
- She turned the door knob and entered the room.
- The radio had a large knob for adjusting the volume.
- He carefully peeled off the old paint from the drawer knob.
A univalent radical derived from an alkane by removing one hydrogen atom.
Examples:
- In organic chemistry, an alkyl group often refers to a saturated hydrocarbon chain.
- The length of the alkyl chain can significantly influence a molecule's properties.
- Methyl and ethyl are common examples of simple alkyl groups.
A hard, unreactive, colorless compound that occurs as the mineral quartz and as a major constituent of sand and other rocks.
Examples:
- Many glass products are primarily composed of silica.
- Fumed silica is often used as a thickening agent in various industrial applications.
- The beach was covered in fine grains of silica.
Any organic compound containing a cyano group, typically characterized by its strong odor and reactivity.
Examples:
- Nitrile gloves are commonly used in laboratories due to their chemical resistance.
- The synthesis involved a reaction with a specific nitrile compound.
- Acrylonitrile is a common industrial chemical that contains a nitrile group.
Relating to or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime.
Examples:
- The forensic team meticulously collected evidence from the crime scene.
- Forensic analysis of the handwriting helped to identify the suspect.
- She pursued a career in forensic science, specializing in ballistics.
A portable battery-operated electric lamp.
Examples:
- He used a flashlight to navigate the dark attic.
- Always keep a flashlight handy during power outages.
- The camper packed a powerful LED flashlight for the night hike.
An impression or mark made on a surface by a person's fingertip, especially as used for identifying individuals.
Examples:
- The detective found clear fingerprints on the glass, providing a crucial lead.
- Each person has unique fingerprints, which makes them useful for identification.
- The security system required a fingerprint scan for access.
Substances or devices that cause something to happen more quickly.
Examples:
- The chemical accelerators were added to speed up the curing process of the resin.
- In physics, particle accelerators are used to propel particles to high speeds.
- Certain enzymes act as biological accelerators for metabolic reactions.
The quality of being hard but liable to break or shatter easily.
Examples:
- The brittleness of the old plastic made it prone to cracking.
- Glass is known for its clarity but also its brittleness.
- Engineers work to reduce the brittleness of certain alloys to improve their durability.
Relating to the tendency of an atom or a functional group to attract electrons toward itself.
Examples:
- Oxygen is a highly electronegative element, readily forming bonds with other atoms.
- The electronegative nature of fluorine makes it extremely reactive.
- In a covalent bond, the more electronegative atom will pull electrons closer to itself.
A substance used for sticking objects or materials together; glue.
Examples:
- The strong adhesive created a permanent bond between the two pieces of wood.
- He applied the adhesive to the fabric before pressing the patches on.
- Some industrial adhesives are designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Given an unofficial name or nickname to someone or something.
Examples:
- The new bridge was dubbed 'The Skyway' by local residents.
- Because of his speed, the sprinter was dubbed 'The Flash'.
- The band's new album was dubbed a masterpiece by music critics.
To tear or cut into small pieces.
Examples:
- She watched as the paper shredder turned the documents into tiny strips.
- The chef began to shred the cabbage for the coleslaw.
- Wild animals can shred their prey into smaller, manageable portions.
Creases or folds in skin, fabric, or other surfaces.
Examples:
- After a long flight, his shirt was full of wrinkles.
- The old map was covered in wrinkles from years of use.
- She smoothed out the wrinkles in the tablecloth before setting the table.
Soft and yielding to the touch; easily compressible.
Examples:
- The ripe tomato felt delightfully squishy in my hand.
- He loved playing with the squishy stress ball to relieve tension.
- The new mattress was incredibly soft and squishy, perfect for a good night's sleep.
Relating to tension; capable of being drawn out or stretched.
Examples:
- The tensile strength of the new alloy was impressive, allowing it to withstand great pulling forces.
- Engineers are constantly working to improve the tensile properties of materials for construction.
- The rope had excellent tensile resistance, making it suitable for heavy lifting.