Rubber cement glue is ideal for arts and craft
Rubber cement is a class of drying adhesive. Rubber cement is called a "drying" adhesive because the "sticking" ingredient, usually a rubbery substance such as an elastic polymer (typically latex), is mixed in a solvent such as acetone, hexane, heptane or benzene to keep the sticking ingredient fluid enough for use. As the solvent evaporates, the remaining "rubber" portion forms a strong, yet flexible bond.
Consumer Grade Rubber Cement
Reformulated for use by children
Depending on the application, the formula for rubber cement will vary. The formulas for "consumer-grade" rubber cement are usually non-vulcanizing and are essentially the same regardless of brand used.
Over time however, and because of use by children, these "consumer-grade" formulas have been reformulated because of concerns over the toxicity of the chemicals used. 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. Consumer-grade rubber cement based on n-heptane is nearly ubiquitous in the United States.
N-heptane, The Preferred Solvent In the U.S.
Safe for use on most surfaces
Cement formulations based on n-heptane will not shrink or swell paper fibers. This prevents wrinkles to the adhered surfaces, thereby making rubber cement safe to use on most finished surfaces.
Vulcanization for Industrial Applications
Vulcanized rubber is used in making bowling balls
For industrial applications requiring "curing" such as the manufacturing of bowling balls, rubber toys and rubber boots, vulcanizing formulas work much better. These contain chemical additives that cross-link with the other ingredients and harden into a tougher, more resilient form.
Vulcanization is a chemical process for converting rubber or related polymers into more durable materials such as bowling balls and clarinet mouth pieces via the addition of sulfur or other equivalent "curatives."
Most Popular Uses
Not recommended for storage. Will cause deterioration of paper over time
Because consumer-grade rubber cement allows for easy and damage-free removal of the adhesive agent, it is particularly favored for use in paste-up work where excess cement needs to be removed. Rubber cement is also used in many magic tricks because it only sticks to itself when dry as opposed to other objects. This property of only sticking to itself when dry makes it possible to glue almost anything with rubber cement. All that's required is to put a layer of rubber cement on two surfaces and let each surface dry completely before putting the two surfaces together to get a permanent bond.
Another desirable attribute is that rubber cement does not become brittle as paste does. On the other hand, rubber cement is not advisable for archival purposes as it will cause deterioration of photographs and papers over time. Also, it may be helpful to note that rubber cement will not leave a mark/stain on most surfaces. However, as a caution, it is always best to test a small sample first... especially with fabric as the rubber cement can soak through some fabrics causing staining.
Rubber Cement Can Be Quite Dangerous
Rubber cement can be extremely dangerous
Breathing in large amounts of rubber cement fumes or swallowing any amount can be extremely dangerous, especially for a small child. Most symptoms occur in people who repeatedly sniff rubber cement to get "high."
• Airways and lungs
Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
Burning in the nose, lips, throat, or eyes
Vision loss
• Heart and blood
Change in the acid balance of the blood, which can lead to organ damage
Collapse
Low blood pressure
• Intestinal tract
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
• Nervous system
Convulsions
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle spasms
Nerve problems
Unconsciousness
Unstable walk
• Skin
Irritation
Home Care
Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.
If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hot-line number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
