Gum or resin: A valuable resin, called Manila elemi or ‘breabianca’, is used as an

ingredient in the manufacture of

plastics, printing inks and perfumes. It is also is used by the Spaniards for ship repairs.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This study is based on Theory of Weak Boundary Layers and Mechanical Theory

and Anchoring Effect Theory.

Theory of (Weak) Boundary Layers is commonly known as the theory of weak

boundary layers and states that adhesive bonds fail in either the adhesive or substrate,

due to the presence of an interphase region of low cohesive strength. Although there is

some controversy on how widespread these layers are, their existence is real and cannot

be ignored. However, some researchers consider certain types of boundary layers as

important contributors to good adhesion. Low molecular weight (and therefore low

cohesive strength) contaminants on the surface, such as some organics and water, are

a common cause of weak boundary layers. Dusty substrates can prevent effective

wetting and therefore intimate contact with the adhesive. Tarrar and Wagh (17) report

that dust on aggregates have a tendency to trap air when mixed with bitumen and

consequently weaken the bitumen-aggregate bond.

Mechanical Theory Mechanical theory describes the most intuitive adhesion

phenomenon and traditionally involves mechanical gripping of the adhesive into the

cavities, pores and asperities of the solid surface on a macroscopic scale. Improved

adhesion through mechanical effects is rationalized by Pocius by considering three major

contributions; Physical “lock and key”, Redistribution of stresses and Increased surface

area. McBain and Hopkins are generally considered the founders of the mechanical

theory in the field of adhesion science. It is generally accepted that aggregates with a

porous, slightly rough surface will promote adhesion by providing for a mechanical

interlocking effect. However, the surface texture of an aggregate also affects its
coatability, or wettability, in that a smoother surface coats easier than a rough surface. In

addition, wettability, including filling of pores, also depends on the viscosity of the binder

and surface chemistry of both aggregate and bitumen. In addition, wettability, including

filling of pores, also depends on the viscosity of the binder and surface chemistry of both

aggregate and bitumen. While many researchers postulate that surface texture of the

aggregate is the main factor affecting adhesion others report that chemical and

electrochemical effects dominate. Thus, providing two sets of experiment in this research

using coarse and smooth LDPE aggregates.

Anchoring Effect Theory states that the adhesive penetrates into pits on the

surface of the adherend and bonds to the adherend. The adhesive force depends on how

strong the anchoring effect is. Pili Resin’s effectivity as a binding material to either coarse

or smooth aggregate is to be tested in this study. When applying the binder to the

aggregate we will know it’s anchoring effect and the relationship of their penetration to

the surface in a specific period of time.