Albert I. Everaerts

Cross- linking of hot-melt-processible acrylic pressure- sensitive adhesives using acid/base interaction

Hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) advantageously reduce or eliminate the use of organic solvents. To provide for easy processing and good coating quality, hot-melt PSAs typically are relatively low in molecular weight, but this can compromise cohesive strength. Physical cross-linking and ionic cross-linking provide thermoreversible methods to increase cohesive strength. This study focuses on the use of acid/base interaction between two polymers as a possible route toward hot melt coatable acrylate PSAs. Adhesive performance and rheological data suggest that a good balance of properties can be obtained while maintaining melt processibility. The rheological data also clearly demonstrate that the strength of the acid/base interaction and the structure of the base have a significant effect on the final properties of the adhesive.