how adhesion works

Science of Adhesion

Discover how the science behind the strong bonds of 3M’s industrial adhesives and tapes support your innovative designs.

3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Vs. Traditional Fastening Methods

Confidently create cutting-edge designs that last with versatile bonding alternatives to mechanical fasteners. By eliminating the need for prep and finishing, the assembly and manufacturing process is leaner and more efficient. This also delivers a product with a smooth finishing. 3M’s adhesives and tapes bonds to dissimilar substrates with ease, its offers an innovative option to bring your designs to life.

  • Create inventive product designs and streamline your assembly process with 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes. It offers strength and aesthetics even when bonding and sealing dissimilar substrates.

  • Which adhesion method would last when bonding plastic to metal - chemical or diffusion adhesion? Understand how adhesives and tapes bond to substrates to select the right 3M bonding solution.

  • Will choosing a strong adhesive translate into one that lasts? Bond strength is relative and depends on the substrate type as well as the adhesion and cohesion strength of the adhesive.


Factors affecting adhesive bond strength

  • bonding factors for adhesion

    The principal requirement of an adhesive bond is to connect two materials while withstanding the stresses they will be subjected to in their use. Using adhesives is not as intuitive as it may seem: adhesion science is a multidisciplinary field requiring a knowledge of chemistry and physics, mechanics and rheology, design and engineering.

    Adhesion Science, or the study of adhesion, consists of three equally essential parts - the geometry of the joint, chemistry of the adhesive and, the surface of the substrate. Understanding these factors forms the basis of adhesive selection and adhesive engineering. It plays a large role in the ultimate performance of a bonded assembly.

  • surface preparation and conditions
    Surface Science

    The chemical composition of a surface dictates whether an adhesive will make adequate contact, allowing for a bond. Unique factors like cleanliness and surface texture affect adhesive performance. Surface science examines these and other characteristics that impact the surface of a substrate.

    Categorising Surface Energy

    Considerations in Surface Roughness

  • joint stress in design
    Joint Geometry

    The shape of a bond will impact performance of an adhesive bond, as will the direction and intensity of the stresses. Not only do adhesives respond to stress differently than mechanical or thermal fasteners, but different substrates and adhesive chemistries respond differently as well.

    Adhesive Joint Stress Types

    Designing Adhesive Joints for Less Stress

  • adhesive chemistry
    Adhesive Chemistry

    The unique adhesive chemistry of an individual adhesive determines it’s suitability for a given bonding application. Not only will chemistry play a role in an adhesive’s ability to bond to the surface, but different chemistries will respond differently to stresses – loads, temperatures or environments.

    Common Chemistry for Liquid Adhesives

    Chemistry of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes


Create a bond that lasts – minus screws and rivets

  •  industrial adhesive assemblies
  • Create strong bonds when you combine the right 3M bonding solution in your applications. Explore how they streamline the assembly process and enhance the appearance of the final product.