The Physics of Soft Adhesion
Abstract
This review provides an introduction to the essential physics of soft adhesion, including the thermodynamics of adhesion and wetting, the mechanics of contact with deformable materials, and the material properties that most affect interfacial interactions with soft solid gels and elastomers. Throughout, we emphasize both foundational physics and current experimental and theoretical research in these areas. We conclude with a practical overview of standard experimental test methods for characterizing soft adhesion. The physical understanding developed in this article provides the basis for understanding the mechanics of contact with soft materials.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Adhesion
Friction
and Surface Interactions
Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics
- Publisher
- Annual Reviews
- Volume
- 17
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 395–418
- Publication date
- 13 March 2026
- Language
- EN