Cyanoacrylates are reactive monomers, a compound that polymerizes, creating chemical links when pressed into a thin film. While the efficacy and performance of CA’s degrades or disappears with the presence of too much moisture, a very thin layer of water moisture that is present on most surfaces actually acts as an alkali or weak base, which is the catalyst required for bonding to occur. This is why even the driest of fingers can get firmly welded together. When used properly, CAs form a bond that is in many cases stronger than the materials being glued.