Adhesive

chemistry · materials · engineering

What adhesives do. Adhesives are substances that stick two separate materials together and keep them from coming apart. They work by forming a bond between surfaces, kind of like an invisible bridge connecting one thing to another.

Made from many sources. Adhesives can be made from all sorts of materials. Some come from nature, like tree sap or animal products, while others are created in laboratories through chemistry.

Different types for different jobs. There are many kinds of adhesives, including glue, cement, mucilage (a sticky plant substance), and paste. Each type works best for specific materials, from paper and wood to plastic and metal.

Strong enough to last. A good adhesive doesn't just stick things together quickly, it also needs to keep them bonded for a long time. Engineers choose the right adhesive based on how much stress the bond needs to handle.

Used everywhere around us. You'll find adhesives in construction when buildings are being made, in factories where products are assembled, and in your own home holding together everything from furniture to toys and craft projects.