Scientists Decipher the Phenomenon of Adhesion

摘要

Researchers at the Max-Planck-Institut fur Eisen-forschung (MPIE) have succeeded for the first time in deciphering the complex phenomenon of the adhesion of adhesives based on the interaction of single molecules. This could create the basis, for example, for developing new adhesives in a targeted manner with the aid of molecular design.Whether it is for weight reduction by the adhesive bonding of components in aircraft engineering, the un-desired adhesion of microorganisms on the hulls of ships or the adhesive bonding of human tissue in medical operations, adhesives provide adhesion and stability. The molecular mechanisms of adhesion are still not fully understood, due to the numerous interactions that take place simultaneously. Dr. Markus Valtiner, Group Leader at MPIE, and his international team of young scientists have succeeded in taking the molecular understanding of adhesion a major step forward. The researchers reported on their findings in the latest issue of the journal Nature Communications.