3M Adhesion Basics/Surface Energy

Adhesion is the bonding of two different materials using the attraction of molecular forces. In each case, you must look at what kinds of surfaces that you would like to attach and also the different types of forces that may act upon the adhesion. If you know these basics, then you’ll be on your way to being able to identify the best 3M™ adhesive that will work in your particular situation.

All surfaces have a different surface energy, and this determines how well a 3M™ adhesive will attract to it. Materials with a low surface energy (LSE) will have a weaker molecular attraction while materials with a high surface energy (HSE) will have a stronger molecular attraction. The ‘Surface Energy Chart’ below displays many different surface types and their surface energy measurement.