Super glue ?

[Rick Z]

To much time to ponder today.
Why does super glue set up on the fly when I use it, but does not set up in the bottle after it is opened?
Consider this in your answer, I took several chemistry courses in college.

Rick

[sagefisher]

Water is the catalyst that causes Super Glue to harden. Microscopic amounts of water are on most surfaces, especially in wetter climates. While the Super Glue is inside the tube, for the most part there will be no water entering and hence no chemical reaction. However, it will harden eventually once it is opened, and I suspect because some water vapor does enter the container.

Larry

[quivira kid]

Because it hasn't been told to...

[Normand]

better yet, why doesn't it stick to the inside of the bottle??? i never took chemistry!

[Joe Valencic]

better yet, why doesn't it stick to the inside of the bottle??? i never took chemistry!

See sagefisher's response above. It's all about interaction with moisture.

Joe

[Gnu Bee Flyer]

Which is why you can actually speed up the drying time by blowing on it. This adds moisture rapidly and aids in the glue setting.

[flybinder]

Yes, Rick, I too had "way to much time to ponder today". Happens to the best of us, at times!

True or False:
How much does a battleship weigh....?

WHY, is "bra" singular.........
But..."panties" is plural?

"What's the difference, between a duck"?

[sagefisher]

That is also why it sticks your fingers together so fast, plenty of moisture in our skin.

Larry

[Bamboozle]

A thermos can keep coffee hot and iced tea cold...

...how does it know?

[DShock]

Super Glue Demonstration; http://www.supergluecorp.com/ Click on Australian Game Show
Doug