10 Things you may not have known about Adhesives

We may know the when’s, whys, and how’s of adhesive, but we bet you might be surprised by more than a few of these lesser-known adhesive facts!

Glue yourself to the nearest chair and stick around for 10 things you may have not known about adhesives!

1. Difference Between Glue and Adhesive

The terms glue and adhesive are oftentimes used interchangeably, however there actually is a difference between the two. When it comes to the name, “glues” are technically made with natural materials, such as animal byproducts and resins. “Adhesives,” according to the definition, are created with synthetic, man-made materials. 

2. Glue Was Made from Fish

For the longest time, glue has been made with random materials. From tree sap and beeswax, to egg whites and animal blood… and surprisingly fish. The first commercial glue company within the United Kingdom, in the 1700s, created glue from our aquatic acquaintances, sturgeons. 

3. Duct Tape Was Created For WWII Troops

Yes duct tape is a favorite throughout the world due to its strength, long-lasting quality, ease of use, and its waterproof nature – but it didn’t always start out that way. 

In World War II, troops often had to repair machines, weapons, even battle wounds, at a moment’s notice. Heavy tape alone was not holding things together, as conditions were often rainy and wet. Therefore, Duct Tape was created – a thick, waterproof tape that was sure to help the troops in their unplanned, but necessary repairs. 

4. Duct Tape Was Actually Called Duck Tape

If you’ve ever had someone laugh at you for accidentally calling Duct Tape “Duck Tape,” you’re not alone. And, you’re also not wrong. Originally, Duct Tape was called Duck Tape, due to its waterproof characteristic: “like water off a duck’s back.” Plus, it was made from duck cloth. The name was only revised when the company later changed hands and the tape began to be used frequently for wrapping air ducts. 

5. Super Glue Was an Accident

Super glue, scientifically referred to as cyanoacrylate, was not created on purpose. In 1942, Dr. Harry Coover was trying to create a clear plastic for gunsights to be used in the war. During his testing and experimenting, he accidentally created cyanoacrylate – more commonly known as super glue. Though you’d assume he’d be happy about this serendipitous moment, he was not. He was annoyed by how relentlessly sticky this new substance was.

6. Not All Glue is Acid-Free

In recent years, many paper crafting companies have learned about the harmful role that naturally-found acids can play on our documents, family photos, and memorabilia over time. In response to that, many companies have created and marketed acid-free papers, stickers, ephemera, and more. 

However, more often than we’d like to admit, we forget to check our adhesives! Many adhesives still contain acid, so make sure you always check the label for words like “archival” or “acid free.” We recommend these acid-free adhesives for all of your paper crafting projects, as it’s acid-free, extremely sticky, and surprisingly affordable. 

7. Glue Saves Penguins’ Lives

When a penguin is nestled in its fragile egg, it always runs the risk of getting a small crack or fissure, subsequently resulting in the tiny chick not surviving past birth. However, some small cracks and fissures can be and have been fixed with the help of liquid glue! Elmer’s Glue, for example, is strong enough to fill in the small cracks on a delicate egg, but weak enough for the baby penguin to still miraculously emerge when he or she hatches! 

Thanks to liquid glue, we have more penguins in the world. And who doesn’t love that?! 

8. Glue Holds a Guinness World Record

Okay, so it’s not actually held by “glue,” but it’s about glue! In September of 2013, the German Aerospace Center succeeded in establishing the new world record for the heaviest weight ever lifted by glue – and it’s wildly impressive, to the point of feigning disbelief. 

A 15.5 x 15.5 square inch of a glued area managed to lift 16.09 tons. That’s 35,472 lbs and 6.4 oz! Now the important follow-up question: how many scrapbooking supplies would 16 tons look like?!

9. Lipstick Inspired the Glue Stick

The glue stick was invented in 1969 after a German company was inspired by the easy application of lipstick. With its easy twist-up function all contained in a capped tube, this was a whole new world for adhesives. They say that life is short, so buy the lipstick – but we crafters will take a glue stick too, please! 

10.Geckos Are Teaching Glue Developers

We’ve all seen lizards and geckos scurry up the side of a wall or stay put on one for hours at a time. It’s an amazing feat, due to the tiny, sticky hairs on the bottom of their feet! These little hairs are super sticky and much stronger than our stickiest synthetic glues. Each square millimeter holds 14,000 or more of these tiny, adherent hairs, allowing geckos to grip onto walls effortlessly, for as long as they’d like. 

Glue researchers and developers are trying to learn by studying Geckos to create something similar, synthetically, to create better, stronger, more long-lasting glue! We crafters can all cheer to that!