The science and mechanics of adhesion: An industrial view

Objectives

Undoubtedly, adhesion is one of the broadest terms in science and technology used to describe several bulk and interface related phenomena. While the thermodynamic work of adhesion is determined by contacting surfaces and their intrinsic surface energetics, it is important to understand how adhesive properties of materials are additionally governed and amplified by their dissipative rate processes in the bulk or near the interface as they go through large strains and deformation.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature showed that the involved interfacial mechanisms were grouped into several categories ranging from micromechanical interlocking to molecular interdiffusion of surface constituents, a characteristic of most polymeric systems.

Results

This paper addressed the static and dynamic contributions to the adhesion energy and discussed its relation to microstructure and surface architecture in pressure sensitive and fracture in structural adhesives. While the focus was on industrial view of adhesion, parallels in adhesive dentistry were given where connections between adhesion, boundary geometry/compliance, shrinkage stress, material model, joint design, retention, and interfacial curing were made.

Conclusions

Adhesion science and mechanics are complex multi-disciplinary fields involving surfaces, substrates, and loading system involving a broad range of mechanisms applicable to dentistry.