In 1953, American professor Vernon K. Krieble developed anaerobic threadlocking adhesives in his basement laboratory at Trinity CollegeinHartford, Connecticut. Krieble’s company, American Sealants, founded the Loctite brand, which was promoted as ushering in a new era of mechanical reliability by eliminating the vibrational loosening of mechanical fasteners, a frequent cause of machine failure.[2] In 1956, the name Loctite was chosen by Krieble’s daughter-in-law, Nancy Brayton Krieble.[3] The Loctite sealant made its official public debut at a press conference at the University Club of New York on July 26 of that year.
In 1963, American Sealants changed its name to the Loctite Corporation. After Vernon Krieble's death in 1964, his son Robert H. Krieble, also a chemist, served as chief executive until 1985. The Vernon K. Krieble Foundation was established in 1984 in honor of the co-founder.
In 1964, Loctite introduced cyanoacrylate adhesives (a repackaged Eastman product, developed at Tennessee Eastman/Eastman Chemical in 1942, and originally marketed as "Eastman 910"), later known as “Super Glue”.[4] It was the first of many new products, including silicones, epoxies, acrylics, and the development of new Loctite anaerobics. The 1980s brought about the addition of a line of micro anaerobic adhesives.[5]
In 1997, Loctite was acquired as a flagship brand by Henkel, a German Fortune 500 company.[6] Since then, Loctite has remained a primary Henkel brand.[7]
The Loctite Story by Kenneth W. Butterworth. New York: Newcomen Society of the United States, 1988.
Chapman, Peter, "Henkel Seeks Rest of Loctite in Adhesives Industry Push", Chemical Market Reporter, November 4, 1996, p. 1.
Drop by drop: the Loctite story, 1953-1980, by Ellsworth S. Grant. Loctite Corp., 1983 LOC #83-80637.
Giragosian, Newman H., "Successful Product & Business Development", New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1978.
Hulstein, Calvin, "Assembling with Anaerobics", Chemtech, October 1980.
Kiesche, Elizabeth S., "Loctite Secures a Grip in a Broader Market; Applying Technology, Marketing Expertise Worldwide", Chemical Week, March 3, 1993, p. 37.
McClenahen, John S., "Robert Krieble's Capitalist Crusade," Industry Week, April 6, 1992.
Wantuck, Mary-Margaret, “Drop by drop, his firm won worldwide success; how Loctite became a leader in liquid adhesives”, Nation's Business, July 1984.
Woods, Wilton, "Sticky Stuff", Fortune, March 6, 1995, p. 24.
