PVA Glue: What Surfaces Does It Not Stick To and Why?
PVA glue, also known as Elmers White Glue, is a versatile school and craft supply. It's widely used for its strong bond on porous surfaces, but it doesn't adhere well to certain materials and substances. This article explores the surfaces PVA glue does not stick to and the reasons behind this behavior, providing useful tips for your next crafting or assembling project.
Understanding PVA Glue
PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) glue is a natural type of adhesive, meaning it can be derived from natural resources such as animal parts and plant materials. Common sources include rabbit-skin glue and horse glue, as well as milk proteins like serum albumin and natural gums such as agar and gum arabic. Even natural rubber latex can be utilized in its production.
One of the key properties of PVA glue is its ability to form a strong bond when applied to porous surfaces. The hot liquid form of the glue can penetrate woven materials, fill in crevices, and solidify in unity with the surface as it cools. However, for smooth surfaces like metal or surfaces that are greasy or oily, PVA glue offers nothing to bond with, making it difficult for the glue to adhere.
Surfaces That PVA Glue Does Not Stick To
Water, Oil, and Other Liquids
A straightforward fact about PVA glue is that it does not stick to liquids such as water or oil. Similarly, it doesn't adhere to mercury. These substances typically have a smooth surface that lacks the necessary texture or chemical components to allow the glue to form a bond.
Gases and Inert Gases
PVA glue also does not stick to certain gases, including nitrogen, helium, and argon. These gases are typically non-porous and lack the surface area needed for the glue to bond.
Plastic Wrap and Silicone Paper
When it comes to non-porous materials, PVA glue faces another challenge. For instance, PVA glue will not stick to plastic wrap or silicone baking paper. These materials are designed to have a smooth, non-porous surface that resists adherence. To glue these surfaces effectively, you can use clamps to ensure proper adhesion and catch any squeeze-out with kitchen wax paper or silicone paper.
Other Non-Porous Materials
Some non-porous materials, such as metals or plastic products made from polyethylene (PE), can also pose challenges. PVA glue does not adhere well to these materials as they offer no surface texture for the glue to bond with. Additionally, some smooth surfaces like glass, wet or greasy surfaces, can also resist adhesion from PVA glue.
Why PVA Glue Does Not Stick
The reason PVA glue does not stick to certain surfaces is due to the difference in surface energy between the glue and the material. The surface energy of the material determines how well the glue can form a bond. For materials with high surface energy, such as very rough or porous surfaces, PVA glue can easily form a bond. However, for materials with low surface energy, such as plastics or non-porous surfaces, PVA glue has nothing to bond with, resulting in poor adhesion.
Conclusion
Understanding the surfaces that PVA glue does not stick to, such as non-porous materials like metals, plastics, and silicone paper, is crucial for successful crafting and assembly projects. By knowing these limitations, you can make informed choices about which adhesives to use for different materials and achieve the best results in your projects.
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