Why does glue stick?

[M Gregg]

Simple question,

Why does glue stick things together?

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[dirkwright]

perhaps Google would be a better person to ask.... ?

Hint: there are two modes: one is chemical and the other is mechanical.

 

[SY]

Because if it didn't, it wouldn't be glue.

 

[chrisb]

indeed, the great google reveals all:

The Straight Dope: How does glue work?

 

[NorthStar]

Compounds.

 

[tvrgeek]

perhaps Google would be a better person to ask.... ?

Hint: there are two modes: one is chemical and the other is mechanical.

Where does van der waslls fall? Not really either.

 

[fpitas]

Van der Waals force is generally considered a form of chemical bonding.

 

[Rundmaus]

But van der Waals forces can be described in a physical picture.

Chemistry is just the physics of the valence electrons.

 

[fpitas]

Well, yes. Chemistry is just a branch of physics, philosophically speaking. And Van Der Waals forces are important in physical chemistry, so it all works out

 

[Rundmaus]

Well, yes. Chemistry is just a branch of physics, philosophically speaking.

Don't say that when a real chemist is listening. Or be prepared to find a taster for your food and drinks...

 

[SY]

Why? It's absolutely true.

 

[Vrystaat]

But then again Pratly putty has been to the moon on the first mission. Made in South Africa !

 

[mcandmar]

Why doesnt the glue on post-it notes work, but yet they are everywhere driving people crazy..

 

[Max Headroom]

Why does glue un-stick?

Dan.

 

[NorthStar]

Bad compounds.

 

[thickmike]

Glue can work in many different ways. Basically the glue has to form some sort of interaction with the two surfaces that are being joined. The interaction can be a covalent bond, or be an intermolecular force of some sort (hydrogen bonding, permanent dipole or van der Waals forces).

There is no division between biology/chemistry/physics. It's an artificial construct designed purely for the convenience of teaching in schools and universities. Once you actually do Science there are no boundaries...no hierarchy...except Chemistry is obviously the best!

 

[AndrewT]

Simple question,

Why does glue stick things together? ......

A beautiful question.

 

[KatieandDad]

Has anyone actually found anything that superglue can stick, other than your fingers ?

 

[M Gregg]

Has anyone actually found anything that superglue can stick, other than your fingers ?

Yes,

It sticks the cap to the tube with a bond so strong you could lift the titanic with the same force required to release it..

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[AndrewT]

I stick To92 together for thermal coupling.
It achieves the very thin layer and excludes the air, both of which are requirements for low Thermal Resistance.