What distinguishes capillary bonding from chemical bonding?

Capillary bonding is characterized by the physical interaction between two surfaces, primarily involving the adhesive properties of liquids. This type of bonding is based on the ability of a liquid to flow into the spaces between two materials, creating a bond through surface tension and liquid mechanics rather than through a chemical reaction.

In contrast, chemical bonding involves the formation of chemical connections between atoms or molecules, resulting in the creation of a new substance. Chemical bonds are typically stronger and arise from the sharing or transfer of electrons, fundamentally altering the composition of the materials involved.

This understanding highlights the core distinction: capillary bonding does not change the chemical structure of the materials, relying purely on physical properties, while chemical bonding fundamentally alters the chemistry of the involved substances. Therefore, recognizing that capillary bonding is a physical interaction differentiates it from the chemical nature of chemical bonding.