How to formulate for improved cohesion in adhesives?
Last update on Jun 16, 2025
Cohesion refers to the tendency of molecules of the same substance to cling to one another because of mutual attraction. Attractive forces between molecules of the same type are called cohesive forces. The cohesive forces are associated with Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding that cause liquids such as water to withstand the separation2.
How is adhesion different from cohesion?
Adhesion is the property of different molecules or surfaces to cling to each other. Adhesive forces are the attractive interactions that occur between molecules of different substances. This force makes raindrops to cling to window panes, for example. Cohesive forces between molecules cause the surface of a liquid to contract to the smallest possible surface area5. This general effect is called surface tension.
The adhesion and cohesion zones (Adhesives org1)
Know more about adhesion & formulation strategies here.