Eli5: What makes things “sticky” like tape or any kind of adhesive? How do they stick on to smooth surfaces instead of coming off?

Question

Eli5: What makes things “sticky” like tape or any kind of adhesive? How do they stick on to smooth surfaces instead of coming off?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Also check out non-sticky adhesives with various names like “gecko” tape, nano tape, etc. it’s very cool nanotech micro-gripping surface