What is the reaction of Ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (superglue) and Alumina powder?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the chemical reaction between Ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (superglue) and alumina powder, exploring the exothermic nature of the reaction and the potential for creating thermally conductive materials. Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding the mixing of these substances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports that mixing superglue with alumina powder resulted in a more exothermic reaction and the release of smoky fumes, prompting them to move the mixture outside.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of using baking soda in repairs and expresses skepticism about the use of aluminum powder.
  • A different participant cautions against mixing random chemicals, highlighting the potential dangers of releasing fumes.
  • One participant suggests that the observed reaction might be due to catalytic action, though they acknowledge the difficulty in determining the exact cause.
  • Another participant inquires whether the alumina powder used was extremely dry, noting that similar reactions occur with dry calcium hydroxide and glycerine, which also produce heat and solidify.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of baking soda and aluminum powder, and while some observations about the reactions are shared, there is no consensus on the underlying mechanisms or safety implications of mixing these substances.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide detailed information on the specific conditions of their experiments, such as the proportions of materials used or the environmental factors that may influence the reactions.

Qmavam
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After using Superglue and baking soda for repairs, and seeing cement, ashes and other mixes, I wondered what happens with superglue and alumina powder. I mixed the two and it is more exothermic and released smoky fumes, to the point where I quickly moved it outside. I have yet to check my result, but thought it might be good to see what I have. My hope is to make something thermally conductive formed in a molded shape.
 
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Try your repairs using just superglue, and no baking soda. Does it still glue things together?
I honestly cant see why you used sodium bicarbonate, not why you played with aluminium powder.
 
Qmavam said:
released smoky fume
Which is a good reason not to mix together random chemicals.
 
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It's possibly due to some catalytic action, but it's hard to say.
 
was it extremely dry alumina powder? then that was setting the super glue, the same thing happens if u add really dry calcium hydroxide to glycerine, it goes really hot and solidifies.
 
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