This study reports a theoretical analysis of the forced separation of two adhesive surfaces linked via a large number of parallel non-covalent bonds. To describe the bond kinetics, we implement a three-state reaction model with kinetic rates obtained from a simple integral expression of the mean first passage time (MFPT) for diffusive barrier crossing in a pulled-distance-dependent potential. We then compute the the rupture force for the separation of adhesive surfaces at a constant rate. The separation rate relative to the intrinsic relaxation time of the bonds defines three loading regimes and the general dependence of the adhesion on kinetic or thermodynamic parameters of the bonds. Last, we show the role of flexible tethers and the interfacial geometry in the dynamic strength of adhesion.

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