How do I prevent white powdery residue when using instant adhesives?

Frosting – Blooming – Chlorosis

Whatever you call it, we all recognize chlorosis as the unattractive white stuff that can sometimes occur when using instant adhesives.

The residue is a byproduct of the cure process of the adhesive. Once the monomer is in vapor form, it will react with moisture in the air, cure, and settle on the surface around the bond area.

The short answer to how to prevent blooming or frosting is “fast cure,” or choose one of the specialty low-blooming cyanoacrylate formulations.

Trace amounts of moisture on the substrate surfaces trigger cyanoacrylate cure. Cure speeds decrease in low humidity conditions. Cure speeds are slower when bonding acidic substrates such as wood or paper. They increase the time needed to achieve handling strength and full cure.

For best results, ventilate the work area.

Optimum results for curing cyanoacrylates start with using a minimal amount of adhesive. This helps to avoid “squeeze out” adhesive and minimizes or eliminates blooming. The end result is an aesthetically pleasing appearance and a strong bond.

Use an accelerator to increase the cure speed of the adhesive. For acidic or porous surfaces, apply the accelerator to the substrate before the adhesive. For curing adhesive outside the joint, spray the accelerator onto the adhesive.

Choose a low odor / low bloom product

These formulations have a lower vapor pressure and higher molecular weight to minimize blooming and reduce the characteristic odor associated with instant adhesives. Low odor/low bloom cyanoacrylates have a lower resistance to operating temperatures and may not be suitable for all applications.

The appearance of blooming is primarily an aesthetic consideration. But it is a particular concern when manufactured devices are packed immediately after assembly. This can cause volatiles to be trapped before they have a chance to polymerize and go on to cause blooming.

In summary, choosing the correct cyanoacrylate formula (with or without an accelerator) for the component substrates, along with recommended environmental working conditions to stimulate a fast cure, are the steps needed to reduce or prevent blooming, or chlorosis, when bonding with cyanoacrylate adhesives.

For further help and advice, please contact Permabond.