Emphasizing the most recent developments this book addresses both the basic and applied aspects of adhesion. The authors present the latest results on fundamental aspects, adhesion in biology, chemistry for adhesive formulation, surface chemistry and the pretreatment of adherends, mechanical issues, non-destructive testing and the durability of adhesive joints, as well as advanced technical applications of adhesive joints. Prominent scientists review the current level of knowledge concerning the role of chemical bonds in adhesion, new resins and nanocomposites for adhesives, and about the role played by macromolecular architecture in the properties of hot melt and pressure sensitive adhesives. Written by 34 acknowledged experts from academic and industrial research facilities, this is a valuable source of information for chemists, physicists, biologists and engineers, as well as graduate students interested in fundamental and practical adhesion.