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How Do Adhesives Work?

Posted 01/04/2021 by Renju Thomas Philip, HHC Sales Professional, India

World War I began the first period in time where adhesives were studied scientifically, as a search to discover stronger bonds for aircraft parts became relevant when carpenter’s glue proved increasingly ineffective. Since that time of global urgency to develop effective glues, several methods have emerged to create better performing adhesives to meet increasing demand for new applications.


Applications for Adhesives


There are an increasing number of applications for adhesives. In rail cars for public transit, adhesives replace metal fasteners and provide sound damping and anti-vibration properties, so commuters have a quieter and smoother ride. In the automotive industry, adhesives increase the flexibility of vehicles in motion, ensuring structural integrity even under high stress. In the medical industry, special adhesives can seal wounds and prevent infection so patients can rest assured they can recover from injury or procedure. The new ways in which adhesives can be applied will only continue to grow.


Types of Adhesion


Bonding results from several mechanical, physical, and chemical actions that can overlap and affect one another. Mechanical adhesion occurs when porous and uneven parts of two surfaces bond. Electrostatic adhesion occurs when a difference in electrically charged materials join forces. Chemical bonding happens when a variety of different material types bond together by the chemical energy of the fittings.


Mechanical Interlocking


Adhesion works best when the materials combined have pores, crevices, or uneven surfaces. These conditions help lock the materials together mechanically to create a strong new structure.




The most important feature in adhesion is adsorption, and it results when two materials that contact one another bond on a molecular level by a thin film.




When two materials are adhered by diffusion, particles blend together and combine to form a bond.


Electrostatic Adhesion


This type of adhesion happens when two positively and negatively charged materials attract one another and exchange electrical forces to band together.


Chemisorption Adhesion


In this adhesion, chemical energies, usually by heat, join together and form a strong bond between different material types.


Types of Adhesives


Structural Adhesives


Pressure resistant and high-performing, structural adhesives greatly strengthen the integrity of components. These adhesives are primarily used to support heavy loads without losing shape. Structural adhesives are designed to survive the length of the application for which they are used.


Types of structural adhesives include:


  • Epoxies
  • Polyurethanes
  • Cyanoacrylates
  • Modified acrylics


Non-Structural Adhesives


Non-structural adhesives, by nature, hold lightweight to moderate loads and often degrade over time. These adhesives are used as short-term fasteners and have a low temperature and chemical exposure resistance. The benefits of these temporary adhesives include vibration damping, sufficient sealing, and insulating qualities.


Pressure Sensitive Adhesives


Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are aggressively and permanently tacky at room temperature. PSAs adhere firmly to a variety of different surfaces upon contact without the need for more than hand or finger pressure.


Three categories of PSAs are:


  • Solvent-based adhesives


    The major component of these adhesives are elastomers, which provide an elastic period. The materials adhered, also called the substrates, bond effectively when wet.


  • Water-based adhesives


    Water-based adhesives can be a suspension in water or dissolved in water. These bonding agents cost less, cannot combust, and have low toxicity. However, low resistance to moisture limits uses, especially on plastic or substances that do not mix with water.


  • Hot melt adhesives


Thermo plastic rubbers in these adhesives ensure tolerance and performance in high temperatures. Even at lower temperatures, the integrity of hot melt adhesives remains steady.


Our Expertise Is Your Advantage


Adhesive technology advances at a rapid pace. At H.B. Fuller, we strive to lead with the latest technologies to ensure your products are more efficient, reliable, and effective. Our dedicated teams of customer support representatives can help you narrow down the product that is right for your specific application.


Contact us to find out how we can help construct better assemblies that can lower costs and boost performance.


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