What type of adhesion is also known as absorption?

Dispersive adhesion refers to a type of adhesion that occurs when two surfaces adhere to each other through the absorption of molecules at the interface. This process is characterized by the intermolecular forces between the surfaces, leading to a bond that is typically a result of van der Waals forces. Dispersive adhesion is essential in various applications, including coatings and adhesives, because it allows materials to bond without the need for chemical reactions or mechanical interlocking.

In the context of adhesion phenomena, absorption implies that the adhesive force is generated mainly by physical interactions rather than chemical or mechanical bonds. This makes dispersive adhesion distinct from other types, such as chemical adhesion, which relies on specific chemical bonds, or mechanical adhesion, which depends on physical interlocking of surfaces. Understanding this concept is crucial for selecting appropriate adhesives and materials in engineering and manufacturing contexts.