Until a century ago the only glues around were gums from plants or boiled-down hides of animals. Which were not very practical as they were not very strong and took a long time to set. We have now moved on from such times and have improved greatly in technology. Now we can make glues that set in seconds called superglues which are also very strong. But what makes them set so fast and makes them so strong?

The glues sets so fast because they are made of petroleum chemicals. When these chemicals are exposed to the tinniest amount of moisture the short molecules bond together to form longer molecules. This is why in the tube the glue doesn’t set because there is no moisture. The process is called polymerisation.

The glues sticks so well because there is so much moisture in the air and on surfaces. It partially sticks well on the human body because it is so moist and is used in skin bonding in surgery. If someone is stuck to something with superglue they can be freed by soaking in warm water and gently prising away.