Cyanoacrylate Frosting or Blooming

What is cyanoacrylate frosting or blooming?

The technical term for cyanoacrylate frosting or blooming is chlorosis. It refers to when excess cyanoacrylate monomers vaporize or become airborne, reacting with moisture in the air. The monomers then cure into small particles that fall onto the area around the bond line. This is the white residue you often see on darker parts bonded with a cyanoacrylate.

What causes cyanoacrylate frosting or blooming?

This frosting or bloom residue is a by-product of an instant adhesive cure process and only occurs while the cyanoacrylate is curing. The worst cases of chlorosis happen when a part is packed into a container or plastic bag before the cyanoacrylate is fully cured or polymerized.

Is cyanoacrylate frosting or blooming harmful?

While frosting or blooming does not compromise the strength or integrity of a bond, it does disrupt the aesthetic appearance of an application. This can be an issue when smooth, clean lines are desired.

How can you prevent cyanoacrylate frosting or blooming?

Use a small amount of adhesive per application to minimize excess cyanoacrylate present or available to vaporize.
Use an accelerator to increase cure speed which doesn’t allow time for uncured cyanoacrylate to vaporize.
Use adequate ventilation to “blow away” these cured particles, never allowing them to fall on the part.
Use a low bloom, low odor cyanoacrylates like ResinLab Cynergy Zero which are formulated to minimize bloom, odor, and worker irritation.