ADHESIONS The triboelectric effect is considered to be very similar to the phenomenon of adhesion, in which two materials composed of different molecules tend to stick together on contact as a result of a chemical reaction. Adhesion is very similar to a chemical bond in which adjacent yet dissimilar atoms exchange electrons. When one material is physically moved away from the other, the bonding forces appear to the human eye as 'friction.' One material gains electrons, thereby creating excess electrons, while the other material loses them, thereby creating a deficit of electrons. Adhesion can be so firm that it can be difficult to remove materials that are adhered to one another (Morton and Hearle 1962). Adhesion can even occur when charged fibers come in contact with uncharged particles