Encyclopedia of Tribology

Abstract

This paper reviews the current understanding of adhesion between a synthetic polymer and a second material. The second material may be inorganic, such as glass, or it may be another polymer but is assumed to be smooth. No attempt is made to be definitive; rather the aim is to give a broad picture of the issues and understanding that the author considers to be important. The adhesion of pressure sensitive adhesives is considered separately from that of more rigid polymers as Van der Waals forces alone can cause significant adhesion only with the former materials. Attempt is made to distinguish between two important issues, the method by which the materials interact at a molecular or polymer chain level and the crack tip deformation process that occur within the polymer. It is these deformation processes that dissipate the energy described by the interface toughness. A tough adhesive bond requires sufficient interface coupling to induce considerable deformation close to the interface within the bulk material.