Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Atomic Force Microscopy Cantilever-Based Nanoindentation: Mechanical Property Measurements at the Nanoscale in Air and Fluid
Published on: December 2, 2022
Dependence of Interfacial Adhesion between Substances on Their Electron Work Functions
Raymond Christopher Setiawan1, Mingyu Wu1, D Y Li1
1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2H5, Canada.
Abstract:
In this article, we demonstrate the dependence of the adhesive force (FAd) between two different substances on their electron work functions (EWF or φ) without atomic diffusion involved. The adhesive forces between Si3N4 and a number of metals were measured using an atomic force microscope. It is shown that the larger the difference in φ between the two substances in contact, the larger the FAd. FAd is also influenced by the electron freedom and density (related to the charge availability). An analytical model is proposed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and quantify the adhesive interaction.
Related Concept Videos
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Intermolecular Forces
Adhesion
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow...
Van der Waals Interactions
Intermolecular vs Intramolecular Forces

