I ran out of CA Glue Activator this weekend and based on previous NG posts I mixed some Baking Soda and Water and used a small atomizer to apply the solution.
The results were not satisfactory. It appeared to work, however the activation was very slow and when the glue finally setup it was discolored with a white film.
Not having a formula, I swagged the mixture. Is there a correct ratio for this mixture? Also, are the other formulations/solutions that might work better?
Juergen
Forget the water as a main ingredient. It's a stronger base than the ethyl cyanoacrylate (or whatever CA your brand uses) and provides the needed hydrogen to form bonds but it's just not enough for what you're wanting. Use ammonia instead as your main ingredient and only use a little water if any at all.
The white film you're getting is because of the interaction with the baking soda. I've found that the baking soda makes the CA too brittle for my use as well.
I simply can't give you a formula for a shop-made replacement CA "Accelerator" but I can point you into the right directions. CA's need a strong base (as opposed to the CA acidic nature) and at least some organic amines to polymerize. It also helps to have alcohols present.
You're not going to make something from common household or shop ingredients that's as quick and/or effective as the commercial mixtures. But you can get pretty close with a little experimentation.
However, please do be careful if you start mixing things without having some idea of what's going to happen. It can ruin your whole day (or life) quickly if you mix something wrong. Take precautions.
- Andrew
Juergen wrote: (clip) Also, are the other formulations/solutions that might work better? ^^^^^^^^^^ The two ingredients you used, water and baking soda will work separately. Water, applied with a spray mister has a mild accelerating effect. I have been told that dry baking soda can be dusted on with a soft brush to set off the reaction.
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