Adhesion is the tendency of dissimilar particles or surfaces to cling to one another. It is the chemical interactions at the interface of the adhesive and substrate that we call adhesion. Adhesion can be divided into several types based on the forces that cause it, including mechanical, chemical, and biological. In biology, adhesion reflects the behavior of cells shortly after contact with the surface. In surgery, adhesion is used when two tissues fuse unexpectedly.
Adhesion and cohesion are important water properties that affect how water works everywhere, from plant leaves to the human body. Cohesion refers to the tendency of water molecules to stick to each other, while adhesion refers to the tendency of water molecules to stick to other substances. Adhesion is the attraction of molecules of one kind for molecules of a different kind, and it can be quite strong for water, especially with other molecules bearing positive or negative charges.
In manufacturing, adhesive bonding takes advantage of the action of these same attractive forces between dissimilar materials that hold a bonded joint together. Adhesion science is critical for all industries and can teach us valuable lessons to enable better product development. An appreciation of adhesion science leads to the design and manufacture of longer-lived products with improved performance.
Adhesions are bands of scar-like tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body and cause them to stick together. Inflammation, surgery, or injury can cause adhesions to form and prevent the movement of internal organs such as the bowel or uterus. Adhesions can occur almost anywhere in the body, including joints, eyes, and inside the abdomen or pelvis. Adhesions can become larger or tighter over time and may cause pain or make it harder to move the affected joint.
