why flour makes stuff less sticy

Question

If your dough is too sticky add more flour

If your pie crust sticks to the rolling pan cover it with flour

If your playing cards stick to each other put them in a bag of flour and shake

Why does this work?

In: 0

Answer 1

It basically absorbs moisture and humidity from the objects it is spread on, drying them, thus reducing the adhesive forces created by water molecules on their surface. Also, it creates a rougher surface, so there is less contact between objects, so less adhesive force. It acts just like the chalk used by weight lifters to increase grip.