The paper has demonstrated that metal containing acrylic crosslinking oligomers can be prepared and used as co-reactants for acrylic pressure sensitive and hot melt adhesive polymers. The polymerizations can be done by both bulk and solution polymerization and still result in a free-flowing tacky solid or solution. The ionic crosslinked polymers can then be applied as a solvent-based PSA, high solids recoverable PSA or a hot melt adhesive at typical extrusion temperature ranges. Due to their higher Tg and thermoset structure at low temperatures the ionic crosslinked adhesives offer the potential for better green strength and higher service temperature ranges. In addition, due to the reversible crosslinking phenomena demonstrated by thermoplastic flow when heated to extrusion temperatures, the metal containing crosslinked adhesive polymers have the potential for reclamation in paper labels, stamps, etc. for recycling purposes. This technology has not been fully explored in adhesive systems and the authors are not experts in PSA and hot melt PSA polymer formulation. Laboratory development continues to expand on the initial performance benefits of reversible crosslinking with these unique metal containing crosslinkers.
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