Effects of a Homologous Series of Dicarboxylic Acids on Network Characteristics of a Wet Pressure Sensitive Adhesive: A Rheometric Study

Microstructure of pressure sensitive adhesives, PSAs, can be modified by changing their copolymer composition or using additives like plasticizers and crosslinkers. Solvent-basedacrylic PSAs generally exhibit a higher adhesive strength, comparing with the water-based ones but their cohesivestrength is not sufficient. To balance cohesive strength, crosslinking agents can be added to balance cohesive and adhesive strength properties. Typical crosslinking agents work byreacting with the functional groups present on the main chain of the PSAs polymer [1]. Here, a solvent-based PSA is formulated using poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate) terpolymer compounded with a plasticizer i.e.,triethylcitrate (TEC) and a homologous series of dicarboxylic acids i.e., oxalic (OA), succinic (SA), and adipic acid (AA) as crosslinkers. Rheological characteristics of the resulting PSA is studied as a function of its composition in wet state.