How does electrostatic attraction contribute to adhesion?

The electrostatic attraction theory of adhesion suggests that electrostatic forces develop at the interface between materials that possess differing electronic band structures. This mechanism is one of several proposed theories explaining how adhesive joints achieve stability and strength.1

In the broader context of chemistry, adhesion relies on intermolecular forces that originate primarily from Coulomb (electrical) forces. These forces facilitate the intimate molecular contact necessary for bonding. For example, van der Waals forces—which are relatively weak electric forces—attract neutral molecules to one another. These forces can arise from the alignment of permanent electric dipoles, the interaction between permanent and induced dipoles, or instantaneous dipoles caused by electron fluctuations.213

While electrostatic attraction is a significant factor, it rarely acts alone. In practice, the performance of an adhesive joint is typically the result of a combination of mechanisms, including adsorption, mechanical interlocking, and chemical reactions, depending on the specific adhesive and adherend involved.1