The Science Behind Adhesives: From Chemical Bonds to Molecular Forces

​✦  Summary

The article was about adhesives. Ancient people used tree sap, while modern people use adhesives like glue and tape. Glue works by forming a strong chemical bond that sticks to a surface after the liquid in the glue evaporates. This makes glue useful in many contexts. When it hardens, the joined surfaces cannot be separated easily. Additionally, they cannot be rejoined without a new adhesive. Tape, in contrast, is weaker but reversible. This is because the tape's adhesive layers fill tiny holes in surfaces to stick surfaces together. This bond is not strong, allowing it to be reversible. Therefore, engineers pick adhesives not based on strength but by purpose. For example, epoxy for heat and pressure, Super glue for weight, and duct tape for temporary fixes.

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✦  My Opinion

I thought the article was very interesting because I didn't know how glue and tape worked before. It was also a bit difficult because there were a lot of science terms that I didn't know and had to look up. I wish the article had talked more about how the tape fills the surface holes with adhesive and the chemicals in the glue. I'm also curious to know what people prefer more, tape or glue?

조재현 선린초등학교 5학년

Junior Article Writing