Some of you may already know that metal has a place in this reaction process. The presence of metal speeds the polymerization process by causing the production of free radical catalysts to increase greatly. The increased amount of catalyst in the monomer causes polymerization to occur more quickly. This anaerobic reaction has been stated in a fairly simple maner, but it is really a very complex chemical reaction using certain ingredients in a parts per million basis. Other reactions can take place at the same time as curing is occurring, such as crosslinking of the polymer chains which makes the resultant solid resin insoluble in a solvent or by the use of heat.
Anaerobic adhesives are very versatile and are used in a wide variety of applications.
The very first application of an anaerobic adhesive was to lock and seal a screw in the carburetor of an automobile engine. Today, anaerobic adhesives not only lock all types of threaded fasteners, they are used to seal pipe fittings, retain bearings, pulleys, and gears to shafts as well as sealing flanged surfaces to replacing cut gaskets. The major users of these adhesives are the automotive, truck, construction and farming equipment companies. The actual market for these adhesives is anywhere that fasteners, gaskets, bearings or any mechanical device that needs to be secured or sealed are used in both OEM or MRO areas. Cyanoacrylates are extremely rapid curing adhesives known as instant adhesive or Super glue.