Tell a Friend About CR4
Engineering Toolbar
Search GlobalSpec
Login | Register
Home | Chemical & Material Science | Chemical & Material Science | Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

Previous in Forum: Aluminium Recycling   Next in Forum: Shrinkage and Induction Hardening
Close

Comments Format:






Close

Subscribe to Discussion:

CR4 allows you to "subscribe" to a discussion
so that you can be notified of new comments to
the discussion via email.

Close

Rating Vote:







22 comments
Subscribe Rate this Comments: Nested
SJO
Member

Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5

Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 6:43 AM

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help me.

I'm looking for a glue that can join small pieces of ABS plastic. The pieces are no larger than 3 inches square by 0.25 inches thick.

The adhesion does not have to be extremely strong when dry. The glue cannot dissolve the ABS or harm it. Then, at some later time, the glued object should be able to be "unglued" using a simple method. For example, soaking in a basin of hot tap water. The glue must completely dissolve so the original ABS pieces are returned to their original state without having to scrub them.

Here is a wish list for this glue:

A) Can be applied at room temperature

B) Dries at room temperature within 1/2 to 2 hours, full strength bond in no more than 24 hours

C) Dries clear and hard, non tacky.

D) Clamping is ok

E) Non-toxic, safe for children

F) Spills or hands clean up with soap and water, or dissolving agent (see below)

G) Does not need to bond as strong as super glue or modeling cement

H) Bio-degradable glue

I) Can be completely removed by dissolving

J) Dissolving method should be easy enough to do at home with no special tools

K) Dissolving agent must also be child-safe and bio-degradable

L) Dissolving should take no longer than an hour or two

M) Glue has a long shelf life (1 year or more)

I know that's a long list, but it seems someone would have invented something close to this. I've researched Hide Glue, but it requires the glue to be mixed and heated before use, and it sets too quickly. I envision this glue in a bottle that you could use like you would use Elmers white, or rubber cement. Maybe packaged with a bottle of dissolving agent?

I've searched the internet and can't find anything like it. I hope I don't have to start mixing glues myself to try to "accidentally" come up with the right formula. Any help would be great. Even suggestions on what glues & compounds I might try to mix would be nice.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Send to a friend Digg this Add to del.icio.us
Interested in this topic? By joining CR4 you can "subscribe" to
this discussion and receive notification when new comments are added.

Comments rated to be "almost" Good Answers:

Check out these comments that don't yet have enough votes to be "official" good answers and, if you agree with them, rate them!
PWSlack
Guru
United Kingdom - Member - Indeterminate Engineering Fields - Control Engineering - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing. Kettle's on.
Posts: 8652
Good Answers: 163
#1

Re: Temporary ABS glue that can be removed (dissolved)

10/29/2009 8:20 AM

Duble-sided adhesive tape fits the specification.

__________________
The elephant is a funny bird. It flits from bough to bough. It lays its eggs in a rhubarb tree and whistles, like a cow - Spike Milligan.
PWSlack
Guru
United Kingdom - Member - Indeterminate Engineering Fields - Control Engineering - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing. Kettle's on.
Posts: 8652
Good Answers: 163
#3
In reply to #1

Re: Temporary ABS glue that can be removed (dissolved)

10/29/2009 9:04 AM

So does wallpaper paste, and Pritt (usual disclaimer) usually found in the office stationery cupboard.

__________________
The elephant is a funny bird. It flits from bough to bough. It lays its eggs in a rhubarb tree and whistles, like a cow - Spike Milligan.
Dr Tom
Associate

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 34
Good Answers: 4
#2

Re: Temporary ABS glue that can be removed (dissolved)

10/29/2009 8:26 AM

You have defined your parameters for an adhesive and here is your choice...a bio-adhesive, which was first made made by our hunter-gatherer relatives. Seriously, a bio-degradeable-nontoxic child safe product must be edible, because we know kids put everthing into their mouths. So Elmers paste or glue is probably still the best bet. Most adhesive manufacturers would not spend research dollars or effort on a product with the properties you describe.
lynlynch
Guru
Hobbies - Automotive Performance - New Member Popular Science - Weaponology - New Member

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Arizona USA 33.422N. -111.821W.
Posts: 2828
Good Answers: 72
#4
In reply to #2

Re: Temporary ABS glue that can be removed (dissolved)

10/29/2009 10:51 AM

This will work, as well as wallpaper paste in the next post.

The problem will come if you intend to dissolve the "adhesive" from between the two plates. This will take forever, due to the thin section exposed to the "solvent".

Maybe you could peel them apart, the soak.

__________________
If the speed of light hasn't changed, why is it getting dark later?
mike k
Power-User
Hobbies - DIY Welding - New Member

Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: US Virgin Islands
Posts: 166
Good Answers: 6
#5

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 2:44 PM

My first thought was Karo syrup, but it may dry tacky. How about liquefying different sugars until you find the best one for your job.
lynlynch
Guru
Hobbies - Automotive Performance - New Member Popular Science - Weaponology - New Member

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Arizona USA 33.422N. -111.821W.
Posts: 2828
Good Answers: 72
#6

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 7:11 PM

"accidentally" come up with the right formula. That's how post its and teflon came about.

WD-40 took 40 trys to get it right.

Good luck.

__________________
If the speed of light hasn't changed, why is it getting dark later?
SJO
Member

Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5
#7

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 9:30 PM

Thanks, all. I appreciate the input.

Just to be a little more clear, I know accidentally coming up with the right formula is about as likely as me winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Hmmmm, maybe I should have used a different example. You get the idea.

I'll try your suggestions. I was also going to try Polyvinyl Alcohol glue. I don't think it's designed for ABS but it's cheap enough to just see if it will hold ABS pieces as much as I need it to. It dissolves quickly in water, so at least that part is good.

Maybe there's an additive that would make it stick to ABS better? Then I'd have what I need!
Rorschach
Guru
United States - Member - New Member Engineering Fields - Mechanical Engineering - New Member Engineering Fields - Petroleum Engineering - New Member Hobbies - Target Shooting - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 1234
Good Answers: 43
#9
In reply to #7

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 11:03 PM

it will require mixing the dry ingredients with water immediately before use, but you could try the confectioner's sugar/creme of Tartar icing used to hold together gingerbread houses. it melts quite quickly with water and it is quite literally edible.

__________________
Who is John Galt?
Dr Tom
Associate

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 34
Good Answers: 4
#10
In reply to #7

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 11:32 PM

PVA is carpenters glue but POly Vinyl Alcohol is completely different. Here is the MSDS for polyvinyl Alcohol it is mixed with wood alcohol which causes blindness if ingested...http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/P5282.htm
SJO
Member

Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5
#14
In reply to #10

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 2:35 AM

Hi Dr Tom,

Polyvinyl Alcohol is used in all sorts of products. For example it's the main ingredient in the "slime" toy (with borax) and in Elmer's School Glue No Run Gel. It's non toxic and when dry disolves with water (which makes moms happy). It's even used in eye drops.

Maybe at full concentration in powder form it's harmful? But I was just referring to the 4% or so solution used in Elmer's gel. If I could just get it to adhere better to ABS plastic....maybe some sort of additive?
Guest
#8

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 10:58 PM

How about regular chewing gum?
AussieBob
Power-User
New Zealand - Member - Member Australia - Member - Member

Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 224
Good Answers: 15
#11

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/29/2009 11:44 PM

Hi SJO,

It may not suit the 2 items your are looking to hold together, but does it have to be an adhesive or can simple clamping suit the need. How about G-clamps or strong magnet one side and iron piece other side with the 2 ABS pieces in the sandwich.
Rorschach
Guru
United States - Member - New Member Engineering Fields - Mechanical Engineering - New Member Engineering Fields - Petroleum Engineering - New Member Hobbies - Target Shooting - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 1234
Good Answers: 43
#12
In reply to #11

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 12:06 AM

how about low melting point wax? you'd just have to dip it in hot water.

__________________
Who is John Galt?
Score 1 for Good Answer
Go to Next "Almost" Good Answer
babybear
Guru

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: USA/Europe
Posts: 4176
Good Answers: 73
#13

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 1:05 AM
  • Hi SJO,

  • Check out these suggestions please. and let me know how you get on.

  • Can you tell me is it for kids to do projects and or designs with?

  • What is the product you are making and are you using the inside of these pipes as a mold? Please tell me and I can find the correct glue or more correctly 'adhesive' which can be joined and soaked and washed off.
  • I would try a PVA glue watered down so the glue is about a max' 20% of the mix.
  • Because there was another suggestion of LMP wax. Low Melting Point Wax. This would seem to fit all criteria apart fro making an absolutely sound water tight joint.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I suggest using a paraffin wax in stick form, and rub it lightly to form a continuous line round the pipe. Then push the joint together and heat the pipe with a hair drier. Do the same in reverse to dissemble

Take care.

__________________
Take care, bb ----- >> "HEAR & you FORGET <-> SEE & you REMEMBER <-> DO & you UNDERSTAND" << =$=|O|=$= >> "Common Sense is Genius dressed in its Working Clothes" << <> [Ralph Waldo Emerson]
Score 1 for Good Answer
No more "Almost" Good Answers.
SJO
Member

Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5
#15

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 3:18 AM

Once again, thanks for the great replies!

I can see I'm causing some confusion. I didn't mean to imply this was for pipes. I know when one hears ABS mentioned it's usually in relation to pipes.

Let me try to clarify. But I'm still going to have to be a little vague for non-disclosure reasons. Let's try this:

Let's say you are teaching an engineering 101 class. You give the class an assignment to build a gizmo. The gizmo will need to do a task. The gizmo that can accomplish the task in the least amount of time using the fewest materials is the winner. Each student is given a box of materials to be used for the project. In each box is an electric motor, batteries, rubber bands and:

100 K'Nex toy pieces (made of ABS plastic)

100 Lego toy pieces (made of ABS plastic)

1 bottle of temporary, removable ABS adhesive

The class completes the competition, and Leonard from Big Bang Theory wins.

After class, you take every Gizmo and submerge it in a basin of warm water. In about an hour, the glue is gone and you separate and pile the pieces into a large bin, ready to be used for next semester's ENG 101 competition.

The glue would be used to strengthen the joints and bonds where ABS meets ABS, but only where there is already a physical clamping action by the joint itself. The adhesive will strengthen a physical bond with a chemical bond.

But the key is, it must be removable/dissolvable using a simple process such as soaking in a solvent, such as water.

I hope that helps.
Guest
#16

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 7:23 AM

Good grief folks get a grip. Plain old Elmers white glue fits this description to a T.
Rorschach
Guru
United States - Member - New Member Engineering Fields - Mechanical Engineering - New Member Engineering Fields - Petroleum Engineering - New Member Hobbies - Target Shooting - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 1234
Good Answers: 43
#17

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 10:25 AM

How about polygrip denture adhesive? it is actually water activated so if you want it to come off, just let it dry out. It has very good adhesion to low surface energy surfaces like most plastics.

__________________
Who is John Galt?
babybear
Guru

Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: USA/Europe
Posts: 4176
Good Answers: 73
#18
In reply to #17

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 10:52 AM

Hello Rorschach,

I rather like your idea of Low Melting Point Wax. I sent in a couple of wax sites, but could not recall your name as I was typing it.

Take care.

__________________
Take care, bb ----- >> "HEAR & you FORGET <-> SEE & you REMEMBER <-> DO & you UNDERSTAND" << =$=|O|=$= >> "Common Sense is Genius dressed in its Working Clothes" << <> [Ralph Waldo Emerson]
SJO
Member

Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5
#19

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 4:52 PM

Wow, I think I found it!

Master Bond has two adhesives (MB600 and MB602) that seem to fit my needs exactly. I've contacted them to get the specs and see if they'll send me a sample of each for testing.

Here's the link if you're curious: http://www.masterbond.com/tds/mb600.html

Thanks again, everyone. If these adhesives don't work as well as advertised, I'll be trying your ideas. I sure appreciate the feedback.
Dr Tom
Associate

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 34
Good Answers: 4
#20
In reply to #19

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/30/2009 5:17 PM

MASTER BOND POLYMER SYSTEM MB600... is also nonconducting ...great for ICB's
primus
Participant

Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Bijeljina,Bosnia and Herzegovina
Posts: 1
#21

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/31/2009 3:42 PM

Try with acetone. First you have to dabble, by acetone, the sides you want to glue and then fuse them. Acetone will evaporate in the few seconds and you will get compact part.

Best wishis.

Milan

__________________
Primus
Rorschach
Guru
United States - Member - New Member Engineering Fields - Mechanical Engineering - New Member Engineering Fields - Petroleum Engineering - New Member Hobbies - Target Shooting - New Member

Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 1234
Good Answers: 43
#22
In reply to #21

Re: Wanted: Temporary, Removable ABS Glue

10/31/2009 8:08 PM

Primus, you didn't read the question. He wanted a TEMPORARY bond that was water soluble.

__________________
Who is John Galt?
22 comments
Interested in this topic? By joining CR4 you can "subscribe" to
this discussion and receive notification when new comments are added.

Comments rated to be "almost" Good Answers:

Check out these comments that don't yet have enough votes to be "official" good answers and, if you agree with them, rate them!
Copy to Clipboard

Users who posted comments:

AussieBob (1), babybear (2), Dr Tom (3), Guest (2), lynlynch (2), mike k (1), primus (1), PWSlack (2), Rorschach (4), SJO (4)

Previous in Forum: Aluminium Recycling   Next in Forum: Shrinkage and Induction Hardening
You might be interested in: Acrylic Adhesives and Acrylate Adhesives, Plastics and Plastic Materials, PC Enclosures


"It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which give happiness." -- Thomas Jefferson

All times are displayed in US/Eastern (EST) (Register to change time zone)

©2005-2009 GlobalSpec. All rights reserved.
GlobalSpec, the GlobalSpec logo, SpecSearch, The Engineering Search Engine
and The Engineering Web are registered trademarks of GlobalSpec, Inc.
CR4 and Conference Room 4 are registered trademarks of GlobalSpec, Inc.
No portion of this site may be copied, retransmitted, reposted, duplicated or
otherwise used without the express written permission of GlobalSpec Inc.
350 Jordan Rd, Troy, NY, 12180

Got Something to Say?


Search this Forum
Chemical & Material Science:

Search all of CR4

CR4 Sections
Automotive
BioMech & BioMed
Chemical & Material Science
Civil Engineering
Communications & Electronics
Education
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Careers
General
Instrumentation
Manufacturing
Mechanical Engineering
New Technologies & Research
Software & Programming
Sustainable Engineering

Site Indices
Forum Index
Blog Index
User Group Index
RSS Feeds
CR4 Store

CR4 FAQ
Site Glossary

Who's Online (293 right now)
Show Members