Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Eco-friendly "releasable" superglue is made from plants
newatlas.com: Although so-called superglues can be quite useful, they're typically made from harsh chemicals, plus it's very difficult to "unstick" them once they've set. Now, however, scientists have created a plant-based superglue that can easily be removed when needed.
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5 comments:
Removable superglue? I think the point of superglue is a strong hold but I do like the sound of this new “reusable” plant-based superglue. (Scientist can make some pretty cool stuff, sounds too complex for my brain though) I don’t know why there is a huge picture of someone getting a clump of earwax removed from their ear… but ok? So what I learned from this is that it is a complex glue that can easily be broken but it also strong, it dries in 2 hours, and now once the glue has been tested more they hope to use it to make technology greener (I will be interested to see how they incorporate the use of this product in technology). I am not going to lie, I am a little (or very) skeptical of the ability to use this product. There are always trade-offs when using eco-friendly materials. we need to be switching over to more sustainable materials (even if they are harder to use or hold different properties than materials that are already widely used))
after reading about what this stuff does, I’m surprised to hear that it’s much more forgiving than the chemical glue we are used to. I am definitely intrigued by this new material, but I think it definitely has its time and place to be used—because it has a different structural application than normal superglue, I don’t think they can be used in exactly the same ways. Because this new superglue creation can be easily broken just with perpendicular force, one must have to be very careful with what they use it for. If it’s something that doesn’t need to last for a long time, like an art project, this new stuff would be great (not to mention that there’s probably a significant lack of chemical fumes), but I’m not sure how trustworthy it would be for more serious, long lasting applications. I continue to be amazed by scientists who are able to rethink materials in this way, and that they continue to point us towards a more accessible sustainable lifestyle, even for staple items such as glue!! It reminds me of the article I read about mushroom fiber construction materials the other day.
I am skeptical regarding the reusability of this glue. How can glue be reusable?? But dont you want it to stay forever??? But at the same time, we love eco friendly things and materials because a lot of the hardware and materials we use in this industry arent super sustainable and eco friendly! Even just having and developing more eco friendly and plant based options is better than having none. I know carnegie is making efforts in the scene shop to order materials from more sustainable companies, and taking the initiative in order to try and make our industry and our carbon footprint a bit smaller in the places that we can. Is there any way to be completely eco friendly and sustainable? Maybe, but it isnt going to happen overnight. It is good to hear there are people and companies who are doing the work though, and hopefully other companies will begin to follow.
I think it is great that companies are trying to move forward with more environmentally friendly alternatives to the toxic substances we use in everyday life. I am not sure that this “releasable” superglue would necessarily find a home in our industry, given that it takes minimal vertical force to make it release. Also, I am not certain that calling the substance “superglue” is proper because part of superglue’s draw is that it sets up almost instantly and holds forever and ever (for the most part; future studies to be conducted, I am sure) and this “releasable” variation of superglue does not; their abilities are in direct conflict with each other. I am sure that this green alternative to superglue is an easy, one to one trade off for some projects but I personally can not think of any applications I might have for it; when I use superglue, I want a permanent, unbreakable hold.
I'm slightly confused. Isn't superglue supposed to be one kind of adhesive that promises to last? I understand the eco-friendly appeal, but this compromises the integrity of the product. Maybe if it was marketed as what it is--a temporary glue--it would make more sense than placing it in the same category as Zap a Gap and Gorilla Glue. For this reason, a firm understanding on the product's features and performance is essential. I'm a fan of the idea of it being temporary to allow for the pieces it holds together to be recycled afterwards. If it is strong enough, maybe a product like this can be utilized in design projects so the materials can be reused for other assignments. Regardless, the main draw for this glue is its green, plant-based qualities, so it should definitely be considered for situations that do not require permanent gluing. I'm glad new products with environmental goals continue to be developed.
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