Description, features and characteristics of glue stick

Adhesive solutions are necessary for a variety of jobs; they help quickly fix the problem. The construction market offers a huge number of compounds that differ in shape and degree of strength. One of the popular glue options that is used regularly in everyday life is glue stick. Its convenient shape, small size and ease of application make it easy to use and carry. The scope of application of the product is wide, and there are many types of adhesive stick. The article will describe in detail the features of this glue, what needs to be taken into account when choosing it and the rules of use.

Description and features

The glue stick is a solid base that is packaged in a special tube; to apply it you need to unscrew the product using a special roller provided in the container. A distinctive feature of the adhesive from liquid types is the possibility of application without the use of additional devices. Use does not involve getting on your hands, applying a layer is easy and convenient.

Convenient packaging allows you to carry the glue with you, it does not take up much space and will not stain your bag. The product consumption is not large, the layer becomes smooth and beautiful.

The product does not contain harmful elements, for this reason it is used in children's institutions; children learn to glue paper with it. The solid consistency means you don’t have to worry about the glue leaking and ruining the surface.

The glue roller can be used for a long time, the shelf life of the composition is 36 months.

A distinctive feature of the adhesive from liquid types is the possibility of application without the use of additional devices.

Advantages and disadvantages of using thermite pencil

The main advantages of a metal welding pencil include:

• Ability to work in the most cramped, hard-to-reach places.
• Energy independence - no sources of electricity or gas are required.
• Small size - fits into a workwear pocket.
• The work does not require long training or special skills.
• Can work both in a workshop and in the field.
• The heat resistance of the seam is up to 180 °C, which makes the device indispensable when repairing household utensils and dishes.
• Cheapness.

Using a Welding Pencil

In addition to the advantages, like any actually used welding method, there are also disadvantages:

• The quality of the seam is lower than with electric or gas welding.
• Not suitable for large volumes of work.
• High material consumption.

The combination of advantages and disadvantages makes the method ideal for minor operational repairs.

Composition and properties

The constituent elements of glue sticks may be different; this must be understood before purchasing the product. There are two types of base that are used in the manufacture of these adhesives. This is how PVA or PVP is used. These elements serve as a moisturizing component; the method of applying the glue and the resulting adhesion result depend on it.

The constituent elements of glue sticks may be different; this must be understood before purchasing the product.

Based on PVA

PVA pencil glue is made from polyvinyl acetate, the active ingredient is glycerol. The element belongs to synthetic products; it is an outwardly transparent and viscous mass. Glycerol has a viscous structure and does not emit any pungent odors. The degree of hydration, when compared with glycerin, is lower. To make good glue, manufacturers can add other substances to the composition:

• Tricresyl phosphate;
• Acetone;
• EDOS;
• Complex types of esters.

These constituent elements help increase the level of adhesion of the adhesive mixture. The layer will also dry faster. A similar composition can last 18-24 months. When the expiration date expires, a solid mass similar to plastic remains in the stationery glue roller. And the composition departs from its container. The fixing properties of the composition are reduced.

The applied layer acquires its full adhesive ability after 120 seconds.

PVA-based adhesive mass can withstand high temperatures, but the range of low temperatures is not so wide, reaching only -15 degrees. This effect leads to a rapid rate of hardening, then applying it becomes problematic and then impossible.

The layer withstands moisture, dissolution does not occur, oil products are also not harmful to glue. It has a good level of resistance to natural factors, but a sudden change in temperature can disrupt the level of adhesion.

We can say that this type of adhesive stick is universal in its properties.

The layer withstands moisture, dissolution does not occur, oil products are also not harmful to glue.

PVP

This glue is created on the basis of glycerin. The substance is natural and helps preserve the properties of the glue without allowing it to dry out. The element is distinguished by its ability to absorb moisture from the air and does not release it for a long period of time.

Reliability and bond strength can last up to three years.

The required period of time for hardening is five minutes. It differs from PVA in that it can glue not only paper and cardboard objects, but also fabric and photographic paper. It is distinguished by better resistance to low-temperature influences; changing temperature indicators is not a problem. Gluing does not lead to deformation of paper sheets. The color of the surface does not change due to the application of glue.

PVP is produced using a more varied composition in contrast to PVA; different brands may add different elements, but we can identify the main components that are selected as standard. So, in addition to glycerin, they include:

• Water, which acts as a diluent;
• Acrylic polymer is necessary to obtain adhesive properties; when the drying process is completed, polymerization is activated;
• Sodium stearate serves as a substance that increases plasticity, making application easier;
• Polyethylene glycol promotes flexible properties;
• Polyoxyethylene monooctylphenyl ether, this component belongs to the emulsifiers, is necessary for combining different substances together to form a single mass;
• Aminomethylpropanol is responsible for neutralizing acidic substances so that the composition is harmless;
• Sodium hydroxide is an alkaline element necessary to maintain the pH balance in the adhesive base.

It differs from PVA in that it can glue not only paper and cardboard objects, but also fabric and photographic paper.

Main types of PVA glue

Since the scope of application of PVA is determined by the type of its composition, among the varieties there are:

• household (wallpaper);
• stationery (PVA-K);
• universal (PVA-MB);
• Super glue;
• building.

Household adhesive is used for paper and paper-based wallpaper. The properties of the composition make it possible to use it for wallpaper that is glued to plaster-covered walls, concrete or wooden surfaces. The consistency of the composition is a milky-white liquid, which may have a beige tint and a faint odor. The composition is non-toxic, so it can be used safely in residential areas. With prolonged use, the glue turns yellow. The composition has a shelf life: the usable adhesive is liquid and homogeneous. PVA with a past expiration date is taken in clumps, which makes it impossible to apply it to the surface. If the glue is expired, then when the composition is squeezed out of the container, a clear liquid will flow first. The seam formed using household PVA can withstand temperature changes down to -40° Celsius.

PVA superglue contains additives that increase its strength after polymerization. The composition can be used when repairing a surface laid with ceramic tiles. For several loose elements, there is no point in preparing a cement composition; it will be replaced by PVA superglue, which can firmly fix the tiles to the concrete surface. The substance, like the previous version, can withstand fluctuations down to -40 degrees, so its use is allowed in unheated rooms or outdoors.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Malak glue or other variants of pencil glues have both negative and positive sides. To understand whether a type is suitable for a particular situation, all aspects should be examined. Among the advantages are the following:

• Convenient format, transportation, storage, application is comfortable;
• Ease of use;
• Economical consumption, the layer is applied evenly without unnecessary expenses;
• Harmless, the composition is non-toxic, does not smell strongly, allergic reactions from contact do not occur;
• Clean use, due to the solid structure, the glue does not spill onto other surfaces from the tube;
• Can be used by adults, they can also be applied by children;
• Long service life;
• Affordable price;
• Easy to remove, only water required.

Among the disadvantages, the following points can be noted:

• The gluing quality is not high; not all types of paper sheets can be glued;
• Quick hardening after first use;
• Difficult to spread over paper surface;
• Not universal.

It must be taken into account that disadvantages may apply to certain brands, and in order for the glue to last for a long time, storage rules must be followed.

Economical consumption, the layer is applied evenly without unnecessary expenses.

Shelf life of glue for fabric and fiberglass

To conclude the review of the shelf life and storage rules of various types of glue, it should be noted that this type of glue is fabric glue. This substance is characterized by a high level of strength, long-lasting gluing and a reliable adhesive.

There are such types of fabric glue as:

• Rubber, casein and PVA – shelf life is one year, the latter can be stored for up to three years;
• Perchlorovinyl and nitrocellulose – shelf life six months;
• PVC – shelf life from two to three years.

For fiberglass:

• Starch, cellulose – shelf life six months;
• PVA – shelf life from two to three years.

Technical characteristics and purpose

OKPD2 stationery glue or another version has a number of technical properties, they are typical for most similar adhesive solutions. The properties of pencil adhesives described below can be highlighted:

• The products do not contain toxic substances, therefore they do not harm human health, there are no negative reactions on the skin, and if the product enters the body, there will be no serious harm either;
• Convenient containers allow you to carry the composition without fear of it getting on nearby surfaces;
• Quick-drying property;
• Low consumption and long service life.

It is used for gluing paper and cardboard products; there are types suitable for working with fabric and photo paper bases.

You cannot choose glue for gluing: ceramic, glass, plastic, metal bases.

It is used for gluing paper and cardboard products; there are types suitable for working with fabric and photo paper bases.

Making glue

Our ancestors used a brew made from natural materials and animal waste until the 20th century.

When science began to develop rapidly, people's knowledge about the quality and properties of materials and substances expanded, and artificial ingredients for creating glue began to appear. The first person to receive a patent for the invented glue was the chemist Leo Baekeland. This happened in 1901. And in 1909, based on his patents, phenol-formaldehyde adhesives with electrical conductivity began to be mass-produced. Stationery glue appeared in the late thirties - early 40s of the last century.

Nowadays, high-tech equipment is used to produce glue. The process is becoming increasingly automated. A modern plant can carry out the entire process, from producing a bottle to labeling it.

Features of use

The glue stick is easy to use; for this reason, the process of gluing paper is simple. The following actions are performed:

1. The tube opens.
2. The rod is unscrewed.
3. The desired area is lubricated.
4. Two elements are connected together.
5. Afterwards the bonding area is smoothed out.

It is important to close the lid tightly after using the glue so that it does not dry out prematurely. Small children should only use the product near adults.

If the layer gets on a piece of clothing, you will need to wash the fabric with detergent; there should not be any particular difficulties with the stain.

It is important to close the lid tightly after using the glue so that it does not dry out prematurely.

What can you glue?

The adhesive stick is mainly used in offices and schools. It is used to make appliques and various crafts from paper and cardboard.

It copes with gluing textile elements made of loose fabric, such as burlap. Some types can even glue wood, glass and plastic.

Application nuances

There are no special requirements for such adhesives. Manufacturers recommend one thing: make sure that the lid of the product is tightly closed. After all, the entry of air will spoil the glue, and it can no longer be reused.

If the work is performed by a child, then his actions must be supervised by his parents or teacher. It is undesirable to allow the product to get on your clothes, because it is difficult to wash off.

Review of popular brands

There are a large number of similar adhesives on the market, and there is no one answer as to which brand produces the best types. But there are popular brands that many consumers choose, and you can use a rating like this as a basis for choice.

There are a large number of similar adhesives on the market, and there is no one answer as to which brand produces the best types.

Erich Krause Joy

This company has been in the stationery market for many years. Engaged in the production of a variety of stationery products for home decor and creative expression. Products are sold all over the world. Erich Krause Joy glue, which is a high-quality product of the company, is in the top rating of glue sticks.

The layer turns out to be tinted, when the adhesion is completed, there are no glue stains left on the surface, it turns out that it is easy for them to treat the entire base. Children especially like to use the chameleon glue option.

It belongs to the PVP type, and can connect paper, cardboard and textile bases.

Erich Krause Joy glue, which is a high-quality product of the company, is in the top rating of glue sticks.

Erich Krause Crystal

The second popular adhesive solution of the brand differs in its transparency and can be used for gluing paper, cardboard and photographic paper. It is distinguished by its elasticity and is distributed evenly. Suitable for office work and children's creativity. The downside is the relatively high cost, but the quality of gluing justifies it.

It is distinguished by its elasticity and is distributed evenly.

Kores

An Australian company that produces various stationery items is a PVP type of adhesive, for this reason it smears well on the surface. The product does not dry out for a long time. It is transparent and easy to remove.

Suitable for processing paper, textile, cardboard products, photographs.

The product does not dry out for a long time.

Comus

This product belongs to a Russian brand that produces various types of stationery. It also applies to PVP products, so it can glue fabric, paper and cardboard, and obtain a reliable adhesion of elements. The layer is created colorless. The cost of the product is low, and the resulting quality is reliable. Features elastic properties.

It belongs to PVP agents, so it can glue fabric, paper and cardboard, and obtain reliable adhesion of elements.

Shelf life of wallpaper glue

In most cases, manufacturers indicate on the box the date of production, the wallpaper suitable for gluing, and the rules for dilution and storage. Typically, expiration dates have the following indicators:

• 10 days if we are talking about a wallpaper peeling mixture diluted with water;
• 12 months of preservation of all properties is guaranteed by domestic universal boostilate;
• Wallpaper glue manufacturers from France guarantee more than a year of storage if storage rules are followed. Preserves properties in any form;
• For example, Kleo universal glue can be stored not only dry, but also diluted;
• Kleo glue should be stored diluted in a closed container in the refrigerator. Shelf life – 48 hours;

It is better not to use highly diluted, expired or low-quality mixtures. Before purchasing, pay attention to the date of manufacture and composition of the substance. If necessary, consult the seller.

How to choose a glue stick: simple tips

To get a high-quality result that will last a long time and will not leave unnecessary unsightly marks on the product, you need to take into account the criteria described below, noted by professionals:

• Ease and uniformity of layer distribution on the base;
• The constituent elements shall not include diluents;
• Does not emit odors;
• The rod does not fall out of the container even when completely unscrewed;
• Manufactured in accordance with GOST standards.

Testing the strength of the joint can indicate how long the parts will remain glued together. A high-quality composition can glue paper in three to four minutes. When this time has passed, the sheets of cardboard should not separate from each other, but should tear off.

A high-quality composition can glue paper in three to four minutes.

Adhesiveness test.

Now I will directly check the adhesive properties of the selected samples. According to the standard, the adhesive stick should ensure strong bonding of the paper in 3-4 minutes. When you try to tear off the glued sheet, it should tear, but not come off.

Photo 3. Conducting a standard test for the adhesiveness of glue sticks.

The photo shows that when the glued leaves were torn off, the top layer of the notebook sheet separated, i.e. It was not possible to peel them off without damage. Accordingly, all selected adhesives successfully passed the test within 3.5 minutes.

How to make at home

It is possible to make a glue stick yourself at home. The process is simple, you will need to follow the steps below:

1. Laundry soap must be thoroughly grated.
2. You will need one part water for two parts soap shavings.
3. The soap is dissolved in a water bath to form a liquid mass.
4. PVA glue is added to the hot soap mixture and three to four tablespoons are taken.
5. Afterwards, you can remove the container from the heat and allow the product to cool.
6. Pour the liquid mass into the selected container.

If the consistency is not viscous enough, you can add more soap and dissolve it again in a water bath.

If the consistency is not viscous enough, you can add more soap.

Manufacturers

There are products from different manufacturers on sale. Its design and quality are different. Popular:

• Hot Wheels (HW15-130K) with indicator;
• Buromax 15 g PVP (BM.4907);
• Kores PVP foundation 20 g (12202);
• Axent PVA base 25 g (7103-A);
• glue stick Erich Krause.

All of them are designed for both domestic use and office use. They leave no traces after application and have dispensers. They do not contain solvents and dry quickly. Prices vary, from 40 to 70 rubles.

Rules of application

To prevent children from harming themselves while working with the adhesive solution, they must remember the following rules for its use:

• They work in a work area that has been prepared in advance;
• Glue is applied to the surface, which is covered with oilcloth or paper;
• Excess glue can be removed with a napkin;
• It is also better to dry your hands with a napkin;
• Make sure that the glue does not get on your face, including through your hands;
• It is not permissible to take the composition into the mouth;
• Do not touch your eyes with dirty hands;
• After gluing, wash your hands.

Make sure that the glue does not get on your face, including through your hands.

What can be made from glue

As mentioned earlier, the properties of adhesives depend on the constituent elements. Many are suitable for gluing paper, cardboard, fabric products, and photo paper. It is used to create a variety of crafts in children's institutions.

Creative ideas are often realized with the help of a glue stick. You can choose a product to work with natural materials.

It is used to create a variety of crafts in children's institutions.

Kinds

Several types are available for office purposes:

• PVA;
• glue stick;
• silicate.

The composition of the latter option has almost become obsolete in everyday use. It is available for sale, but is not in great demand. The reasons are quite objective:

• After the applied layer has dried, it begins to change color. After time it will turn yellow.
• When dried, the silicate layer is fragile and gradually crumbles.
• He is uncomfortable to work with. It dries very quickly, so everything has to be done in a hurry.
• If it gets into the eyes, it causes burns. It is better not to give to small children.

PVA glue compares favorably with the silicate composition. Its toxicity is less and it looks much better aesthetically. Suitable for home use. It is easy for them to glue paper, photographs and pieces of fabric. Convenient for working with children, since thanks to the packaging and dispenser it is easy to apply and does not spread, and dries quickly. The crafts will be neat, and the result will please all participants in the process.

Tips and tricks

To enjoy the created craft or other objects glued together with an adhesive solution, you need to know some of the nuances of the work. So the experts highlight the following tips and recommendations for work:

• Before purchasing the composition, it is advisable to smell the tube; if you notice the aroma of chemicals, it is better not to use the product;
• The substance is released uniformly, there should be no lumps;
• The lid is chosen to close tightly so that air does not get inside and the composition does not dry out for a long time;
• When you notice that the top of the pencil has dried, you can use it again. To do this, the container is tightly closed, after five hours the layer will again have the desired consistency.

The lid is chosen to close tightly so that air does not get inside and the composition does not dry out for a long time.

Roller adhesives are distinguished by their ease of use, they are practical and therefore are chosen very often. The fast drying and reliable adhesive for working with paper surfaces helps you create a variety of creative crafts. When choosing an adhesive, you should pay attention to the quality of the container and the composition of the adhesive, then it will be easier to obtain the required strength.

Smell test.

The composition of stationery adhesive pencils should not contain toxic substances. If the manufacturer violates this rule, the smell of the glue will be sharp and unpleasant. Good glue has virtually no odor - or is scented.

Our samples correspond to safety according to this organoleptic indicator: “Kores” and “Scotch” have a very weak and familiar smell of office glue, and “ADEL”, “DOLCE COSTO” and “GLOBUS” do not smell at all.

None of the indicated manufacturers additionally used flavorings in the glue composition.