The Physics of Soft Adhesion

TL;DR

This review explores the fundamental physics behind soft adhesion, covering thermodynamics, mechanics, and material properties, and discusses experimental methods for characterizing adhesion in soft materials.

Contribution

It synthesizes current experimental and theoretical research on soft adhesion physics and provides practical guidance on testing methods.

Findings

Thermodynamics of adhesion and wetting clarified

Mechanics of contact with deformable materials analyzed

Standard experimental test methods summarized

Abstract

This review provides an introduction to the essential physics of soft adhesion, including the thermodynamics of adhesion and wetting, the mechanics of contact with deformable materials, and the material properties that most affect interfacial interactions with soft solid gels and elastomers. Throughout, we emphasize both foundational physics and current experimental and theoretical research in these areas. We conclude with a practical overview of standard experimental test methods for characterizing soft adhesion. The physical understanding developed herein provides the basis for understanding the mechanics of contact with soft materials.