Effect of Monomer Composition on Adhesive Performance for Waterborne Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

A series of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) with different monomer composition was prepared using emulsion polymerisation. The monomers were butylacrylate (BA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA), acrylic acid (AA) and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA). The adhesive performance was studied at 4%, 8% and 12% 2-EHA content based on total monomer (BOTM) composition. The adhesives obtained with constant thickness were coated onto a Kraft paper and evaluated for adhesive performance by measuring their tackiness, peel strength and shear strength. As the 2-EHA content increased, shear strength and peel strength were found to increase. The results also show that the loop tack decreased when the 2-EHA content increased. Peel strength and shear strength showed an increase with smaller particle size of latexes obtained. Positive effect of smaller particles on shear strength and peel strength relate to the tighter packing provided by smaller particles during the drying process, thus increasing the area of contact.