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Why do cyanoacrylate adhesives adhere strongly to skin?
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adhesive
Overview of how glue and other adhesives work.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives bond strongly to skin because of their specific chemical reactivity. These compounds are highly polar due to the presence of nitrile and ester groups, which allow them to react rapidly when they encounter a basic surface, particularly in the presence of moisture.1
When these monomers come into contact with the moisture naturally present on the skin, they undergo polymerization. This process causes the molecules to link together quickly, forming strong, chainlike polymer structures that create a durable, glassy resin. This rapid reaction is what allows the adhesive to bond almost instantly to skin, a property that is utilized in medical settings for closing surgical incisions.12