Rubber cement
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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2007}}
[[Image:shoegoo.JPG||right|thumb|200px|ShoeGoo brand rubber cement.]]
'''Rubber cement''' is an [[adhesive]] made from elastic [[polymer]]s (typically latex) mixed in a [[solvent]] such as [[acetone]], [[hexane]], [[heptane]] or [[benzene]] to keep them fluid enough to be used. This makes it part of the class of ''drying adhesives'': as the solvents quickly evaporate, the "rubber" portion remains behind, forming a strong yet flexible bond. Often a small percentage of alcohol is added to the mix.
== Formula ==
The formula for rubber cement varies according to its targeted application. Those commonly used in office and art applications are usually non-vulcanizing and seldom differ between brands. However, they have been reformulated over time due to concerns over the toxicity of the chemicals involved, especially in regard to its use by children. Consumer-grade products generally no longer contain benzene because of its link to certain cancers. Instead, they tend to be based on less toxic solvents such as n-hexane and n-heptane.
Rubber cement based on n-heptane is very popular and ubiquitous in the United States, but is generally unknown and unavailable as a consumer product in the UK and some parts of Europe, possibly due to the severe fire hazard of that formulation. A similar solvent based product called "[[Cow Gum]]" was common in the UK, but is no longer in production. Current solvent based options include Marabu-Fixogum and [[Platignum]] "[[Studio Gum]]" which are marketed in the UK and Europe.
For tire patching, shoe repair, and other industrial applications, [[vulcanization|vulcanizing]] formulas are preferred. These contain chemical additives which enable them to [[cross-link]] and harden into a tougher, more resilient form.
=== Examples ===
[[Copydex]], a common latex adhesive in the [[United Kingdom|UK]], uses an [[ammonia]] and water solvent and needs no special handling, making it very safe to use. Whilst, for this reason, it is often given to children, it is also used in artwork, and finds widespread use in light [[D.I.Y.]] work such as fixing carpet tiles and repairing upholstery.
== Usage ==
Rubber cement is favored in art applications where easy and damage-free removal of adhesive is desired. For example, rubber cement is used as the marking fluid in [[erasable pens]]. The rubber cement can be removed via the eraser up to 10 hours after application.
Cement formulations based on n-heptane and n-hexane will not shrink or swell paper fibers, thereby preventing wrinkles to the adhered surfaces. This makes them safe to use on most finished paper surfaces, unlike water-based glues such as [[Polyvinyl acetate|PVA]] [[glue]]s (i.e. white or Elmer's brand [[glue]]).
Because rubber cements are designed to easily peel or rub off without damaging the paper or leaving any trace of adhesive behind, they are ideal for use in paste-up work where excess cement might need to be removed. It also does not become brittle as paste does. Rubber cement is not considered an archivally sound adhesive and may cause deterioration of photographs and specialty papers over time, a danger associated with many other common adhesives.
== History ==
Rubber cement was invented by Paul Van Cleef in the early 1900s to be used in various applications in the Van Cleef Brothers factory in Chicago, Illinois.
== Hazards ==
The solvents used in rubber cement present many hazards [http://www.devcon.com/techinfo/14900.PDF], such as [[Volatile substance abuse|potential of abuse]] as [[inhalants]] and fire. For this reason, as with any adhesive, rubber cement should be used in an open area, and care needs be taken to avoid heat sources as n-heptane and n-hexane are highly flammable. Also if put in a person's hair, it can cause extreme pain and even damage the scalp permanently.
[[Category:Adhesives]]
[[ru:Резиновый клей]]
[[sv:Gummiklister]]