Rubber cement
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rubber Cement is an adhesive made from polymers (typically latex) mixed in a solvent such as acetone, hexane, heptane or benzene to keep them fluid enough to be used. This makes it part of the class of drying adhesives: as the solvents quickly evaporate, the "rubber" portion remains behind, forming a strong yet flexible bond. Often a small percentage of alcohol is added to the mix.
Contents |
[edit] Formula
The formula for rubber cement seldom varies from brand to brand, but has changed over time due to concerns over the toxicity of the chemicals involved, especially in regard to its use by children. Consumer-grade products generally no longer contain benzene because of its link to certain cancers. Instead, they tend to be based on less toxic solvents such as n-hexane and n-heptane.
Rubber cement based on n-heptane is very popular and ubiquitous in the United States, but is generally unknown and unavailable as a consumer product in the UK and some parts of Europe, possibly due to the severe fire hazard of that formulation. A similar solvent based product called "Cow Gum" was common in the UK, but is no longer in production. Current solvent based options include Marabu-Fixogum and Platignum "Studio Gum" which are marketed in the UK and Europe.
[edit] Examples
Copydex, a common latex adhesive in the UK, uses an ammonia and water solvent and needs no special handling, making it very safe to use. Whilst, for this reason, it is often given to children, it is also used in artwork, and finds widespread use in light D.I.Y. work such as fixing carpet tiles and repairing upholstery.
[edit] Usage
Rubber cement is favored in art applications where easy and damage-free removal of adhesive is desired. Unlike water-based PVA glues (i.e. white or Elmer's brand glue), rubber cement does not shrink much, thereby preventing wrinkles to the adhered surfaces. Many formulations based on n-heptane and n-hexane are safe to use on most finished paper surfaces, unlike water-based glues.
Such cements are designed to easily peel or rub off without damaging the paper or leaving any trace of adhesive behind, making them ideal for use in paste-up work where excess cement might need to be removed. It also does not become brittle as paste does. Rubber cement is safe for use with photographs and specialty papers as it will not cause deterioration over time, a danger associated with many other common adhesives. It is not considered an archivally sound adhesive.
[edit] History
Rubber cement was invented by Paul Van Cleef in the early 1900s to be used in various applications in the Van Cleef Brothers factory in Chicago, Illinois.
[edit] Hazards
The solvents used in rubber cement may present other hazards [1], such as potential of abuse as inhalants and fire. For this reason, as with any adhesive, rubber cement should be used in a well-ventilated area, and care must be taken to avoid heat sources as n-heptane and n-hexane are highly flammable.
