What type of adhesive benefits from anaerobic conditions for curing?

Anaerobic adhesives are specifically formulated to cure in the absence of air, which distinguishes them from other types of adhesives. These adhesives rely on a chemical reaction that is activated when they are sealed within the joint between two surfaces, creating an oxygen-free environment. This property makes them ideal for bonding metals and is particularly useful in applications like securing bolts or fittings, where the adhesive is often applied in tight spaces where air cannot penetrate.

Unlike other adhesive types, such as epoxy or cyanoacrylic adhesives, anaerobic adhesives are designed with this unique curing mechanism in mind. For example, epoxy adhesives typically cure through a chemical reaction that occurs in the presence of moisture or air, while cyanoacrylic adhesives cure quickly in the presence of moisture but are not reliant on anaerobic conditions. Therefore, anaerobic adhesives are the only ones that specifically benefit from and require a lack of oxygen to properly cure and achieve their full bonding potential.