Rubber cement

src: i.ytimg.com

Rubber cement is an adhesive made of elastic polymer (usually latex) mixed in a solvent such as acetone, hexane, heptane or toluene to be sufficiently liquid to use. Water-based formulas, often stabilized by ammonia, are also available. This makes it part of the adhesive drying class: because the solvent evaporates rapidly, the "rubber" part remains behind, forming a strong but flexible bond. Often a small percentage of alcohol is added to the mixture.

Video Rubber cement

Composition

General

Rubber cement is simply a mixture of solid rubber in a volatile solvent that will dissolve it. When the cement is applied, the solvent evaporates, leaving the rubber as adhesive. Almost all rubber (pre-vulcanized or not) can be used. The rubber used may be natural rubber, gum rosin or gum arab. The initial solvents used include chloroform and benzene. In the United States, the current formulation includes n-heptane. In the UK, a product called Marabu-Fixogum uses acetone.

Special compositions

Many compositions include hardener and/or vulcanization agents designed to enhance rubber cohesion.

Maps Rubber cement

Usage

Rubber cement is preferred in art applications where it is easy and free to damage the desired adhesive removal. For example, rubber cement is used as a marking liquid on a removable pen.

Because rubber cement is designed to be easy to peel or infect without damaging the paper or leaving behind adhesive traces, they are ideal for use in outboard work where excess cement may need to be discarded. It also does not become brittle as pasta. The older rubberized formula cement is not considered an archivally sound adhesive due to its low pH value (acid) and will cause the deterioration of photographs and papers from time to time. The new formula of rubber cement such as Elmer's 'No-Wrinkle' is acid-free and is considered "safe photo".

src: i.ytimg.com

Dangers

Solvents used in rubber cement present several hazards, including flammable and potential abuse as inhalants. Therefore, as with adhesives, rubber cement should be used in open areas. Also, care must be taken to avoid heat sources, since n-heptane and n-hexane are highly flammable. Rubber cement and thinner rubber cement (used to replace solvent evaporated from container and to remove glue stains) containing acetone will damage the glossy surface and many plastics.