Adhesion is a very complex field beyond the reach of any single model or theory. Given the number of phenomena involved in adhesion, the variety of materials to be bonded, and the diversity of bonding conditions, the search for a unique, universal theory capable of explaining all the experimental facts is useless. In practice, several adhesion mechanisms can be involved simultaneously. However, it is generally assumed that the adsorption or thermodynamic theory defines the main mechanism exhibiting the widest applicability. It describes the achievement of intimate contact and the development of physical forces at the interface. This is a necessary step for interlocking, interdiffusion, and chemical bonding mechanisms to occur subsequently, further increasing the adhesive strength.
Finally, one can consider that the measured adhesive strength of an assembly could be expressed as a function of three terms relating, respectively, to (1) the interfacial molecular interactions, (2) the mechanical and rheological properties of bulk materials, and (3) the characteristics of the interphase. The first two terms have received a great deal of attention during recent decades, as a result of studies in the physical chemistry of surfaces and fracture mechanics. The third term constitutes the real challenge for a proper and complete understanding of adhesion.