Rubber Based Sensitive Adhesives used to Repair Supplies James K. Brouk Let’s say that one of your favorite pairs of shoes started falling apart. You look up a “how to repair shoes” article online, which calls for glue. White glues are too weak for rubber, and industrial glues aren’t flexible enough for shoes. What you need is some rubber cement, or rubber adhesive. Rubber cement is a resin-based adhesive that is waterproof, and solvent-resistant. That means that while it can bend and be smoothened out, it does not melt in water. It also does not melt when in contact with solvents. It comes under a variety of brand names such as Liquid Nails, Cyberbond, Neoprene, and more. What it’s made of As its name implies, rubber cement is made of crushed rubber, either natural or synthetic. According to madehow.com, it is also mixed with heptane, a flammable liquid, and either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Natural rubber comes from plantations in Brazil. The hevea brasiliensis trees are slashed, where sap flows out . This sap is processed and dried to produce rubber, which is then shipped off to companies that produce rubber cement. The ingredients and additives vary with each brand and company. Madehow.com also states that each batch of cement is tested for tackiness, heat resistance, and other qualities that make good rubber glue. Bonding Time Rubber glues bond quickly, though they also weaken quicker than other types of glue. According to an article on doityourself.com, rubber glues are among the best in bonding plastics together. It also states that rubber adhesives are cheaper and stronger than most acrylic adhesives. Also, for rubber glue, only one surface has to be applied with glue. However, the same article also states that rubber glue tends to deteriorate more quickly than other types of adhesives. Though a very durable adhesive, resistant to shearing, it is very sensitive to heat and cold, as discussed later. Thus it is suitable for a quick fix glue, as other types of adhesives stand better against temperature changes. Though waterproof, rubber glues do not respond well to heat. The same article on doityourself.com states that rubber glues weaken under exposure to UV rays and high temperature. Thus, rubber glues are best suited to indoor use, where temperatures are more gentle and UV rays do not penetrate. Fallout According to the 1990 Clean Air Act of the United States, some of the ingredients in rubber cement can be harmful to one’s health. Some ingredients are flammable and release harmful fumes into the atmosphere. However, according to madehow.com, no waste is produced by the manufacturing of rubber cement. Choosing to use rubber cement shouldn’t be much of a problem. If it is a small break that requires a quick fix, rubber glue is a must. However, if it is an outdoor job that needs heavy-duty adhesive, you might want to opt for an acrylic glue. But whichever glue you use, you must handle it with care. Make sure you wear protective gloves and masks, and only use the amount you need.
how to repair shoes. He also talks about the best types of quick fix glues, whether they be rubber adhesives, super glue or acrylic glue. James K. Brouk is a writer who discusses home repairs, such as