Copydex is a common latex-based

rubber cement Rubber cement (cow gum in British English) is an adhesive made from elastic polymers (typically latex) mixed in a solvent such as acetone, hexane, heptane or toluene to keep it fluid enough to be used. This makes it part of the class of drying ad ...

in the UK. It can be easily recognised by its characteristic "fishy" odour. It has been owned since 1986 by

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, commonly known as Henkel, is a German multinational chemical and consumer goods company headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is active in both the consumer and industrial sectors. Founded in 1876, the DAX company is organi ...

Uses

Also known as "fishy glue" this contact adhesive is commonly used when sticking a variety of materials, such as paper, board, upholstery, and carpet. It is used widely by model makers as a "mask" to protect areas during airbrushing. It can be used as an alternative to Table Tennis glue. Copydex is also frequently used to apply false eyelashes in the theatre to make sure they stay on during entire performances.

Composition

Unlike many other

s, it consists of latex dissolved in water. As such it is relatively non-toxic and so is frequently used in primary schools. It also contains

ammonia Ammonia is an inorganic compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula . A stable binary hydride, and the simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinct pungent smell. Biologically, it is a common nitrogenous was ...

http://media.supplychain.nhs.uk/media/documents/WZP5705/COSHH/28793_WZP5705.pdf to stabilise the rubber solution. This is the source of its characteristic smell.

References

Adhesives {{Product-stub