Have you ever tried using superglue to bond silicone? Whether you are in the construction industry or another industry that uses silicone for jobs, you may have noticed the frustration of using superglue on silicone. No matter what you do, you just cannot get it to work.

The science behind superglue and silicone is the culprit in your frustration. Let’s explore the situation by examining the science behind these two substances.

What is Silicone?

Silicone is a synthetic polymer composed of rotating silicon and oxygen atoms, which create the backbone of this man-made substance. Due to its unique properties and versatility, silicone is used in a wide range of industries and applications.

Common Uses for Silicone

Some of the most common uses of silicone in various industries include:

• Sealants and Adhesives: These are used for sealing gaps and joints in construction, automotive, manufacturing, etc. It is heat, moisture, and chemical resistant and is flexible.
• Lubricants: Provide excellent lubrication, high thermal stability, and low volatility for automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and other industries.
• Electrical Insulation: Silicone is non-conductive, so it is an excellent insulator for wire, cables, and other electrical components.
• Medical Devices: Silicone is durable, flexible, and biocompatible, so it works well for implants, catheters, tubing, and more.

Silicone is also used to make bakeware, cookware, personal care products, molds, castings, and so many more items that we use daily.

Properties and Benefits of Silicone

Silicone is flexible and elastic. You can stretch, deform, or compress it, and it will return to its original shape. It can also be transparent, allowing light to pass through it.

Silicone repels water and has low surface friction, making it smooth and slippery. You can also get silicone in varying hardnesses for different applications, from soft and pliable to rigid.

What is Superglue?

Cyanoacrylate, or superglue, is a strong, fast-bonding adhesive that can bond many materials. It hardens and forms a strong bond on different materials due to a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with moisture. Forming a bond between objects can take anywhere from a few seconds up to 60 seconds.

Common Uses for Superglue

Depending on the type of superglue you have, typical industries and uses include:

• Woodworking: It can hold wood pieces together, so you do not have to use screws or other types of fasteners.
• Electronics: Superglue is non-conductive, so you can use it on wires or to hold covers closed.
• Medical: You can use superglue to close wounds, as fasteners on single-use items, like facemasks, catheters, and more, or even emergency care devices.

You can also use it for day-to-day household repairs, such as gluing glass or fixing toys.

Benefits of Superglue

One of the many advantages of superglue is that it dries quickly and is clear, so you can barely see the defect that it fixed. Because it is a one-part adhesive, you can use superglue immediately and continue working on a piece you used it on.

Will Superglue Stick to Silicone?

Now that we know the basics of superglue and silicone, does superglue stick to silicone? It is not a match made in heaven. Silicone has unique properties that make it challenging to get superglue to bond with it. Here are several reasons why it is difficult.

Chemical Structures

Because the chemical structures of superglue and silicone are so different, it is difficult for them to form a satisfactory bond. Superglue uses a chemical reaction with moisture to create a bond with another material. However, silicone is chemically inert, so forming a bond between these two is nearly impossible.

Contamination

Silicone can be contaminated during manufacturing or handling with oils, dust, and other agents. These impurities act as a barrier to superglue so it cannot form a bond with silicone.

Low Surface Energy

The low surface energy of silicone prevents other materials from adhering to it. Since silicone is water-resistant, it does not contain the moisture needed for superglue to bond correctly. The superglue will actually just bead up on the surface of the silicone, so they cannot form a bond.

Flexibility

If you manage to bond these two substances, the bond will not last long due to silicone's flexibility. As the silicone moves and stretches, the deformation of the silicone will break the superglue's rigid nature, ultimately resulting in adhesive failure.

Are There Any Ways to Make Superglue Stick to Silicone?

Surface preparation is key if you want more than a temporary, weak bond between superglue and silicone. Here are some tips you can try.

Cleaning

You can use a mild detergent or alcohol-based solvent to thoroughly clean the silicon surface to get rid of any oils, dirt, and dust. Make sure to rinse it well and let it dry completely before using superglue.

Sanding

Since the smooth surface of silicone makes it difficult for superglue to bond to, you can gently sand the silicone surface so the superglue has something to grab. You can use fine-grit sandpaper or an adhesive pad in a circular motion.

Be careful not to sand too harshly so you do not remove large chunks of the silicone. After sanding, clean the surface to remove any particles. Gently brush it with a hand broom or use an air compressor.

Primer

There are also primers and adhesion promoters specifically made for silicone to help other materials bond to it, like superglue. These products allow a chemical bond to occur between silicone and superglue.

Less is More

When you are ready to bond the superglue to the silicone, take the object you are trying to bond and apply a small amount of superglue in a thin layer on it. Using too much superglue can create a big mess, and the bond will not be as strong. Then, firmly press the object to the silicone surface and wait the proper amount of time according to the instructions.

The Best Adhesives for Bonding Silicone

Superglue may not be the best choice for bonding with silicone. However, here are some alternatives that are specifically made for this purpose.

Silicone Adhesives

Silicone adhesives come in liquid, paste, and gel forms and are designed to bond with silicon surfaces. They can be applied using syringes or brushes and are heat-resistant and chemical-resistant, making them suitable for harsher environments.

Silicone-Based Sealants and Caulks

For these products you use a caulk gun to apply the adhesive to the silicone surface. These products are generally used to seal cracks, joints, and gaps and are effective at bonding silicone. They provide excellent adhesive properties and create a strong bond between surfaces.

Epoxy Adhesives

Exopy is a two-part adhesive that requires precise measurements and mixing of the substances. Make sure to read the package carefully before making a purchase because only some epoxy adhesives are made to bond silicone.

Practical Alternatives to Using Adhesives on Silicone

If you do not want to take the time to purchase one of the alternative adhesive products or you want an option where you can remove pieces at a later time, you can always use metal fasteners to bond the surfaces. These may include screws, bolts, or other fasteners. They provide a reliable bond and are reversible.

Silicone Depot for All Your Silicone Needs

Will superglue stick to silicone? With the proper surface preparation, it may temporarily bond with silicone. However, many options are available for products made specifically for bonding to silicone surfaces, so why bother with superglue?

At Silicone Depot, we strive to provide professionals with the silicone products they need for their projects. Call us at 812-824-8000 if you have questions or need help choosing the right silicone adhesives for your project.