Final answer:
The process that converts an adhesive from the applied state to its final solid state is called 'curing'. It involves mechanisms such as heat, UV light, or air drying and can involve physical changes like evaporation of a solvent or chemical changes like polymerization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that converts an adhesive from the applied state to its final solid state is called curing. Despite the provided definitions of fusion, melting, and their associated processes, they are not the correct answer in this context. 'Melting' or 'fusion' refers to the transition of a material from a solid state to a liquid state. However, in the context of adhesives, we want to achieve the opposite, which is the transition from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid state. An adhesive is usually applied in a liquid or semi-liquid state and then changes to a solid state to bind the surfaces together. This change is achieved through a process known as curing. This process can occur through various mechanisms, including heat, UV light, or simply air drying. The curing process can involve physical changes such as the evaporation of a solvent, or it can entail chemical changes such as polymerization.
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