Why does duct tape stick so well to so many surfaces?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Its soft glue flows into tiny bumps when pressed
Tiny suction cups grip the surface — Duct tape has no suction cups; its sticky layer is a smooth, rubbery gel. It holds because pressure pushes that gel into close contact with the surface.
Its glue reacts chemically with the surface — No chemical reaction happens: peel duct tape off and the surface underneath is unchanged. The grip comes from physical contact and weak attractions between molecules.
Its soft glue flows into tiny bumps when pressed ✓ — Duct tape's adhesive is a soft, rubbery gel that behaves partly like a liquid. When you press it, it flows into a surface's tiny bumps and gets close enough for countless weak attractions between molecules to add up to a strong hold.