Chemistry:Copydex

From HandWiki

Copydex is a common latex-based rubber cement in the UK. It can be recognised by its characteristic "fishy" odour.[1][2] It has been owned since 1986 by Henkel.[3]

Uses

Also known as "fishy glue", this contact adhesive is used when sticking a variety of materials, such as paper, board, upholstery, and carpet.[4][5] Copydex is used by model makers as a "mask" to protect areas during airbrushing.[6] It is used to apply false eyelashes in the theatre.[7][8]

Composition

Unlike many other rubber cements, it consists of latex dissolved in water.[9] As such it is relatively non-toxic and so is frequently used in primary schools.[4] It also contains ammonia[10] to stabilise the rubber solution.[9] This is the source of its characteristic smell.

References

  1. ↑ Ashwood, David (2025). Constructing Buildings for Model Railways. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-3990-9493-1. https://books.google.com/books?id=2EK8EAAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520fish&pg=PT11. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 
  2. ↑ Buttonbag; Marks, Sarah; Duchars, Sara (2014). Boycraft: Loads of Things to Make For and With Boys (and Girls). Frances Lincoln. ISBN 978-1-78101-144-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=jei-AwAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520fish&pg=PT228. Retrieved 24 August 2025. "copydex (be warned – it smells of dead fish)" 
  3. ↑ "Company History - Henkel". http://www.henkel.com/about-henkel/company-history-11789.htm. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Rowswell, Geoff (1983). Teaching Art in Primary Schools: A Development Through Activities. Evans Brothers. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-237-45748-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=wZolAQAAIAAJ&q=copydex+%2522primary+schools%2522. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 
  5. ↑ Bond, Daniel (2013). Stage Management: A Gentle Art. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-135-85890-2. https://books.google.com/books?id=ld9EAQAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520paper%2520carpet&pg=PA130. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 
  6. ↑ Cooke, John (2016). Paintings and Drawings. ShieldCrest. p. 26. ISBN 978-1-910176-50-4. https://books.google.com/books?id=ATFiCAAAQBAJ&q=copydex%2520as%2520masking%2520fluid&pg=PA26. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 
  7. ↑ O'Grady, Paul (2013). Still Standing: The Savage Years. Transworld Publishers Limited. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-85750-102-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=q8rTeVNF0A0C&q=copydex%2520eyelashes&pg=PA148. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 
  8. ↑ Corbett, Bryce (2010). A Town Like Paris: Living and loving in the city of light. Hachette Australia. ISBN 978-0-7336-2576-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=pUbc8CP0PuEC&q=copydex%2520eyelashes&pg=PT277. Retrieved 24 August 2025. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Adams, Robert D. (2021). Adhesive Bonding: Science, Technology and Applications. Woodhead Publishing. p. 47. ISBN 978-0-323-85143-5. https://books.google.com/books?id=-AQhEAAAQBAJ&q=%2522copydex%2522%2520latex%2520water&pg=PA47. Retrieved 24 August 2025. "'Copydex' which is natural rubber latex with ammonia added as a stabiliser" 
  10. ↑ "Safety data sheet Copydex adhesive". Henkel. p. 1. https://media.supplychain.nhs.uk/media/documents/WZP5705/COSHH/28793_WZP5705.pdf. 




Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Chemistry:Copydex&oldid=4027794"