Development of a Water‐Based Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive via Emulsion Polymerization for Packaging Tape Applications

Abstract

In this study, water‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) were synthesized through an emulsion polymerization process using n‐butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, and N‐vinylpyrrolidone monomers, in combination with anionic and non‐ionic surfactants. The PSA was coated onto the corona‐treated surface of a BOPP film using a Mayer bar to prepare packaging tape. The effect of surfactant concentration on the properties of the resulting copolymer and PSA was investigated. The chemical structure, component distribution, and thermal behavior of the copolymer were analyzed using FTIR, HPLC, and DSC. The physical properties of the synthesized copolymer, such as solid content, viscosity, particle size, and gel content, were also determined. The performance of the prepared packaging tapes was evaluated through loop tack, 180° peel, and holding shear time tests. The results indicated that surfactant concentration significantly affected the adhesive's performance. Notably, the use of a 2.5 wt% surfactant mixture yielded promising results, with high monomer conversions and excellent adhesion properties in the tape.