SAME

BACKGROUND

The application is directed to hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive (HMPSA) compositions that include propylene thermoplastic elastomers.

Hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions are useful in a variety of applications including as an adhesive on the back side of tapes and labels. Typical hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions used for these applications are based on styrene block copolymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers and styrene- isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives formulated with polyolefin polymers tend to exhibit weak cohesive properties and poor heat resistance. Therefore, polyolefin-based pressure-sensitive adhesives have not traditionally been used for tape and label applications. Due to lower cost and improved stability of polyolefin polymers, it would be useful to be able to formulate a HMPSA for tapes and labels with them.

There is a need for an olefin based HMPSA that exhibits good cohesive properties, adhesion to substrates such as corrugate and high enough heat resistance to enable use for labels that are laser printed by the user after the HMPSA is applied.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention includes a hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition including at least 10 % by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer, comprising a propylene copolymer wherein said copolymer has a propylene content of at least 50 % by weight and a melt index of no greater than 30 g/10 min (190°C, 2.16 kgs); from about 1.5% by weight to about 10 % by weight of a high softening point component; from about 10 % by weight to about 45 % by weight of a first tackifying agent with a softening point of no greater than 110°C; less than 25 % by weight of a second tackifying agent with a softening point of at least about 110°C; and a plasticizer.

In one embodiment, the hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition includes from about 15 % by weight to about 40 % by weight of a plasticizer.

In another embodiment, the first tackifying agent is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon tackifying agents, rosin-based tackifying agents and combinations thereof. In one embodiment the HMPSA includes at least 5% by weight of a rosin based tackifying agent. In a different embodiment, the first tackifying agent comprising a hydrocarbon tackifying agent and a rosin-based tackifying agent and the second tackifying agent is a hydrocarbon tackifying agent and is present at from about 5 % to about 15 % by weight.

In one embodiment, the high softening point component is selected from the group consisting of a polypropylene wax and a polyethylene wax. In another embodiment, the high softening point component has an enthalpy of fusion of at least 35 J/g. In a different embodiment, the second tackifying agent is present at from about 5 % to about 20 % by weight.

In one embodiment, the hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition further includes a second polymer. In another embodiment, the second polymer is an amorphous poly-alpha olefin. In a different embodiment, the second polymer is a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer having a styrene content of less than about 20% by weight. In one embodiment, the hydrogenated styrene block copolymer is present at from about 1% by weight to about 12% by weight.

In a different embodiment, hot melt pressure-sensitive the high softening point component has at least 50% by weight propylene. In another embodiment, the high softening point component has a viscosity of less than about 5,000 cps at 190°C.

In one embodiment, the hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition has a viscosity @177°C of between around 2000 cps and around 6000 cps. In a different embodiment, the SAFT is at least about 125°F. In still another embodiment, the SAFT is at least about 130°F and the 180°peel is at least about 4.5 lb. /in.

In another aspect, the invention includes a label including a paper substrate; and the hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition disposed on the substrate. In different embodiment, the surface opposite the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is laser printed.

In a different aspect, the invention includes a method of adhering a label to a cellulose-based container comprising the steps of obtaining a label; removing the second substrate; and adhering the label to said container.

In one embodiment, the cellulose-based container is corrugated material.

In another aspect, the invention includes an article selected from the group consisting of a tape and label, including: a substrate; and a hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive composition disposed on the substrate, said composition including: at least 10 % by weight of a propylene thermoplastic elastomer, wherein said elastomer has a propylene content of at least 50 % by weight and a melt index of no greater than 30 g/10 min (190°C, 2.16 kgs); from about 1.5% by weight to about 10 % by weight of a high softening point component; from about 10 % by weight to about 45 % by weight of a first tackifying agent with a softening point of no greater than 110°C; less than 25 % by weight of a second tackifying agent with a softening point of at least about 110°C; and a plasticizer.

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

HOT MELT PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE COMPOSITION

The HMPSA includes a propylene thermoplastic elastomer, a tackifying agent with a softening point of less than about 110°C and a plasticizer. The HMPSA has good adhesion to paper, cardboard (i.e. thick paper stock also known as paperboard or folding carton material) and corrugated material (i.e. material made up of three layers of paper an inside liner, an outside liner, and fluting which runs in between). The HMPSA gives Good initial adhesion to corrugated material when tested according to the Corrugate Test Method.

The HMPSA has a viscosity @ 177°C of from about 1,000 cps to about 10,000 cps, from about 1 ,500 cps to about 7,000 cps, or even from 2,000 cps to about 6,000 cps. The HMPSA has a Peel Force to Stainless Steel of at least about 0.61 N/mm (3.5 lbyin), at least about 0.70 N/mm (4.0 lbJin), at least about 0.79 N/mm (4.5 lbJin), or even at least about 0.88 N/mm (5.0 lb./in).

The HMPSA has a SAFT (Shear Adhesion Failure Temperature) of at least about 48.9°C (120°F), at least about 51.7°C (125°F), or even at least about 54.4°C (130°F)

The higher SAFT enables the HMPSA to be used as a pressure-sensitive adhesive on laser printed labels.

The HMPSA is olefin based. It can include no greater than about 12 % by weight of a styrene block copolymer, no greater than about 10% by weight of a styrene block copolymer, no greater than about 5% by weight of a styrene block copolymer, or even is substantially free of a styrene block copolymer.

Propylene Thermoplastic Elastomer

The propylene thermoplastic elastomer exhibits a melt index of no greater than 30 g/10 min, no greater than 20 g/10 min, no greater than 15 g/10 min, or even from about 5 to about 15 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238 (190°C, 2.16 kgs), and a density of at least 0.86 g/cm ³ , at least 0.87 g/cm ³ , no greater than 0.88 g/cm ³ , or even from about 0.86 g/cm ³ to about 0.88 g/cm ³ .

Suitable propylene thermoplastic elastomers include polypropylene homopolymers and higher order polymers (e.g., copolymers and terpolymers) derived from propylene and at least one olefin co-monomer. Examples of suitable olefin co-monomers include C2-C12 <x- olefin monomers including, e.g., ethylene, butylene, isobutylene, 1-butene, pentene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-l-pentene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cyclooctene, 3-methyl pentene-l,3,5,5-trimethyl-hexene-l, 5-ethyl-l -nonene, and combinations thereof. The propylene thermoplastic elastomer has a propylene content of at least 50 % by weight propylene, at least 60 % by weight propylene, or even at least 80 % by weight propylene.

Useful examples of propylene thermoplastic elastomers include polypropylene, propylene/ethylene copolymers, propylene/ethylene/butene terpolymers, propylene/butene copolymers, propylene/hexane copolymers, propylene/octane copolymers,

propylene/norbornene copolymers, and combinations thereof. Useful propylene thermoplastic elastomers include, e.g., single-site (e.g., metallocene) catalyzed propylene thermoplastic elastomers.

Suitable propylene thermoplastic elastomers are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., VISTAMAXX from ExxonMobil Chemical Company (Houston, Texas) including, e.g., VISTAMAXX 6102 polypropylene-ethylene copolymer, VISTAMAXX 6202 propylene-ethylene copolymer, VISTAMAXX 3000 propylene-ethylene copolymer, and VISTAMAXX 3980, and the NOTIO trade designations from Mitsui (Japan) including NOTIO PN-2070.

The composition includes at least 10 % by weight, no greater than about 40 % by weight, from about 10 % by weight to about 30 % by weight, or even from about 15 % by weight to no greater than 25 % by weight propylene thermoplastic elastomer.

Tackifying agents

The composition includes a first tackifying agent with a softening point of less than 110°C, or even less than about 105°C.

Suitable classes of tackifying agents include, e.g., aromatic, aliphatic and

cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resins, mixed aromatic and aliphatic modified hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, and hydrogenated versions thereof; terpenes, modified terpenes and hydrogenated versions thereof; natural rosins, modified rosins, rosin esters, and hydrogenated versions thereof; low molecular weight polylactic acid; and combinations thereof. Examples of useful aliphatic and cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins include aliphatic and cycloaliphatic petroleum hydrocarbon resins (e.g., branched and unbranched C5 resins, C9 resins, and CIO resins) and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof. Examples of useful natural and modified rosins include gum rosin, wood rosin, tall oil rosin, distilled rosin, hydrogenated rosin, dimerized rosin, and polymerized rosin. Examples of useful rosin esters include e.g., glycerol esters of pale wood rosin, glycerol esters of hydrogenated rosin, glycerol esters of polymerized rosin, pentaerythritol esters of natural and modified rosins including pentaerythritol esters of pale wood rosin, pentaerythritol esters of hydrogenated rosin, pentaerythritol esters of tall oil rosin, and phenolic-modified

pentaerythritol esters of rosin. Examples of useful polylerpene resins hydrogenated polyterpene resins, and copolymers and terpolymers of natural terpenes (e.g. styrene-terpene, alpha-methyl styrene-terpene and vinyl toluene-terpene).

Useful hydrocarbon tackifying agents are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., the ESCOREZ series of trade designations from

ExxonMobil Chemical Company (Houston, Texas) including, e.g., ESCOREZ 5690, 5400, 2510, and 2203 LC, the EASTOTAC series of trade designations from Eastman Chemical Company ^o (Kingsport, Tennessee) including, e.g., EASTOTAC H-100R and H-100L, the WTNGTACK series of trade designations from Cray Valley HSC (Exton, Pennsylvania) including, e.g., WINGTACK 86, EXTRA and 95, and the PICCOTAC series of trade designations from Eastman Chemical Company (Kingsport, Tennessee) including, e.g., PICCOTAC 8095.

Useful rosin-based tackifying agents are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., the SYLVALITE series of trade designations from Arizona Chemical Company (Jacksonville, Florida) including, e.g., SYLVALITE RE-IOOL,

KOMOTAC KA 100L gum rosin pentaerythritol ester from Komo Pine Chemicals,

Guangzhou Komo Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), the WESTREZ series of trade designations from MeadWestvaco Corp. (Richmond, Virginia) including, e.g., WESTREZ 5101P, and the FORAL series of trade designations from Eastman (Kingsport, Tennessee) including, e.g., FORAL 105-E gum rosins and FORAL AX rosin acid.

The composition comprises at least about 15% by weight, greater than 20% by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 45% by weight, from 10 % to 45 % by weight, from about 15% to about 40 % by weight, or even from about 15 % by weight to about 35% by weight of a first tackifying agent with a softening point of less than 110°C, or even less than 105°C.

The composition can comprise two first tackifying agents, a hydrocarbon tackifying agent and a rosin-based tackifying agent.

When a rosin based tackifying agent is present, the composition can comprise at least about 5 % by weight, at least about 7 % by weight, at least about 9 % by weight, from about 3 % by weight to about 35 % by weight, from about 4 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, or even from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight of the rosin-based tackifying agent The HMPSA composition can further comprise a second tackifying agent with a softening point of at least 110°C, or even at least 120°C to help improve heat resistance of the composition. The second tackifying agent can be a hydrocarbon tackifying agent.

Useful tackifying agents having a softening point of at least 110°C are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., ESCOREZ from Exxon Mobil Chemical Company (Houston, Texas) including, e.g., ESCOREZ 5615, 5637 and 5340, EASTOTAC from Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, Tennessee) including, e.g., EASTOTAC H-130W and H- 142W and RESINALL from Resinall (Severn, North Carolina) including, e.g., RESINALL 1030.

The composition includes less than 25 % by weight, no greater than 20 % by weight, no greater than 15 % by weight, at least about 5 % by weight, from about 2 % by weight to about 20 % by weight, or even from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight of the second tackifying agent with a softening point of at least 110°C, or even at least 120°C. Plasticizer

Suitable plasticizers for use in the composition include, e.g., naphthenic oil, mineral oil, paraffin oil, synthetic liquid oligomers of polyolefins (e.g., polybutene and

polypropylene), hydrocarbon fluids, vegetable oil, and combinations thereof.

Useful commercially available plasticizers include, e.g., plasticizers sold under the NYFLEX series of trade designations from Nynas Corporation (Houston, Texas) including, e.g., NYFLEX 222B, KAYDOL OIL from Sonneborn, LLC (Parsippany, New Jersey), KRYSTOL 550 mineral oil from Petrochem Carless Limited (Surrey, England), CALSOL 5550 oil from Calumet Specially Products Partners, LP (Indianapolis, Indiana), and under the SPECTRASYN series of trade designations from ExxonMobil Chemical Company (Houston, Texas) including, e.g., SPECTRASYN 4 and 40.

In one embodiment, the plasticizer is a naphthenic oil.

The composition includes at least 15 % by weight, at least about 20 % by weight, from about 15 % to about 40 % plasticizer, or even from about 20 % to about 35 % by weight plasticizer. High Softening Point Component

The high softening point component is selected from the group consisting of high softening point polymer, high softening point wax, or a combination thereof. The high softening point component can have a propylene content of at least 50 % by weight, at least 60 % by weight, or even at least 80 % by weight.

The high softening point component has a Mettler Softening Point (ASTM D 6090) of greater than 100°C, greater than 110°C, or even greater than 115°C and a viscosity of no greater than 10,000 centipoise at 190 °C, no greater than 5,000 cps at 190°C or even no greater than 2,000 centipoise at 190°C. The high softening point component has some crystallinity as measured by heat of fusion. The high softening point component has a heat of fusion of at least 25 Joules/gram (J/g), at least 35 J/g, at least 50 J/g, or even at least 70 J/g. The high softening point component increases the SAFT of the composition relative to the composition without the high softening point component.

Useful high softening point polymers include, e.g., thermoplastic polymers (e.g., polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, propylene-ethylene copolymers, propylene-butene copolymers, polypropylene-hexene copolymers,

polypropylene-octene, copolymers and combinations thereof), polyvinyl acetate, and combinations thereof. Useful high softening point polymers include VISTAMAXX 8880, a propylene based polymer available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company (Houston, Texas). Useful high softening point waxes include, e.g., polyolefin waxes (e.g., polypropylene waxes, polyethylene waxes, high density low molecular weight polyethylene waxes, and by-product polyethylene waxes), metallocene waxes, stearamide waxes and combinations thereof. Useful high softening point waxes are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., waxes that are commercially available under the EPOLENE series of trade designations from Westlake Chemical Corporation (Houston, Texas) including, e.g.,

EPOLENE N-21 and N-14 polyethylene waxes, EPOLENE N-15 polypropylene wax, and the AC series of trade designations from Honeywell Int'l Inc. (Morristown, New Jersey) including, e.g., A-C 8 and A-C 9 polyethylene waxes. When present, the composition preferably includes no greater than about 15 % by weight, no greater than about 10 % by weight, from about 1.5 % by weight to about 10% by weight or even from about 1.5 % by weight to no greater than about 5 % by weight high softening point polymer, high softening point wax, or a combination thereof.

Second Polymer

The composition can include a second polymer. The second polymer can be selected from the group consisting of amorphous poly-alpha olefins, single site (e.g. metal locene) catalyzed polyolefins and hydrogenated styrene block copolymers.

The composition can include an amorphous poly-alpha olefin. Preferred amorphous poly-alpha olefin polymers include propylene copolymers with ethylene and or butene.

Suitable poly-alpha olefins are commercially available under the REXTAC series of trade designations from Rextac LLC (Odessa, Texas) including REXTAC 2535 and REXTAC 2585.

The composition can include a single site catalyzed (e.g. metallocene catalyzed) polyolefin. Suitable single site catalyzed polyolefins are commercially available under the L- MODU trade designation from Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd (Japan) including, e.g., L-MODU S400 polypropylene, the LICOCENE series of trade designations from Clariant Int'l Ltd. (Muttenz, Switzerland) including, e.g., LICOCENE PP 1602 TP and PP 2602 TP

polypropylene-ethylene copolymers, the AFFINITY series of trade designations from The Dow Chemical Company including, e.g. AFFINITY GA 1900 and AFFINITY GA 1950 and VISTAMAXX 8380 (single site catalyzed propylene ethylene copolymer) commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical (Houston, Texas).

The composition can include hydrogenated styrene block copolymer. The

hydrogenated styrene block copolymer can have a styrene content of less than about 28 %, less than about 20 % by weight, or even from about 8 % by weight to about 20 % by weight. . Useful hydrogenated styrene block copolymers include, e.g., styrene-ethylene/butene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene- ethylene/ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-ethylene/butene diblock copolymers, styrene-ethylene/propylene diblock copolymers, and combinations thereof.

Suitable hydrogenated styrene block copolymers are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., the SEPTON series of trade designations from Kuraray Co. Ltd (Japan) including, e.g., SEPTON S2063, S2007 and S2004 styrene- ethylene/propylene-styrene block copolymers, and the KRATON G series of trade

designations from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. (Houston, Texas) including, e.g., KRATON G 1657 styrene-ethylene/butene-styrene block copolymers.

When present, the composition preferably includes no greater than about 12 % by weight, no greater than about 10 % by weight, no greater than about 8 % by weight, no greater than about 5 % by weight, from about 1 % by weight to about 12 % by weight, or even from about 1 % by weight to about 8 % by weight a second polymer.

Other Optional Components

The composition can optionally include a variety of additional components including, e.g., stabilizers, antioxidants, adhesion promoters, ultraviolet light stabilizers, rheology modifiers, biocides, corrosion inhibitors, dehydrators, colorants (e.g., pigments and dyes), fillers, surfactants, flame retardants, additional waxes, additional polymers (e.g., styrene- isoprene-styrene and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers), and combinations thereof.

Useful antioxidants include, e.g., pentaerythritol tetrakis[3,(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenyl)propionate], 2,2'-methylene bis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), phosphites including, e.g., tris-(p-nonylphenyl)-phosphite (TNPP) and bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)4,4'- diphenylene-diphosphonite, cu-stearylO,3'4Modipropionate (DSTDP), and combinations thereof. Useful antioxidants are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., the IRGANOX series of trade designations including, e.g., IRGANOX 1010, IRGANOX 565, and IRGANOX 1076 hindered phenolic antioxidants and IRGAFOS 168 phosphite antioxidant, all of which are available from BASF Corporation (Florham Park, New Jersey), and ETHYL 7024,4-methylene bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), and the BNX series of trade designations including, e.g., BNX 1010 and BNX 1076 from Mayzo, Inc. (Suwanee, Georgia). When present, the adhesive composition preferably includes from about 0.1 % by weight to about 2 % by weight antioxidant. TAPES AND LABELS

The invention includes an article comprising: a substrate and the inventive HMPSA disposed on the substrate.

Various application techniques can be used to apply the HMPSA to the substrate including, e.g., slot coating, spraying (e.g., spiral spraying and random spraying), screen printing, foaming, roll coating (e.g. engraved roller), extrusion, melt blown adhesive application techniques, and combinations thereof. The HMPSA can be applied directly to the substrate. Alternatively, the HMPSA can be transfer coated i.e. applied to release liner or non-stick roll and transfer coated to the substrate.

The substrate is selected from the group consisting of paper and non-paper. The non- paper substrate can be made from a film such as e.g. polypropylene (e.g. polypropylene (PP), oriented polypropylene (OP), and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP)), polyethylene, etc.

In addition to the substrate the article can include layers of additional materials including inks, varnishes and/or adhesives and can comprise multiple film layers; alternatively the article includes just one substrate.

The article can include a release-coated second substrate wherein the substrate is a first substrate, and the inventive HMPSA is disposed between the first side of the first substrate and a release-coated surface of a second substrate.

The release-coated second substrate can be a release liner i.e. a paper or plastic film coated on one or both sides with a release agent. The release agent can be silicone based or can comprise any other material that has a low surface energy.

The article can be selected from the group consisting of a tape or a label.

The article can be a tape (e.g. painters tape, double-sided tape, etc.)

The article can be a label. The label can be used to label i.e. mark a container (e.g. bottle labels, including no-look labels), bar code labels, shipping labels, etc., or a

file/document (e.g. multi-part form labels). The container can be selected from the group consisting of plastic (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and cellulose-based. The cellulose-based container can be selected from the group consisting of paper board and corrugated material. The invention includes a method of adhering a label to a cellulose-based container including the steps of: obtaining a HMPSA coated label comprising a release- coated second substrate, removing the second substrate and adhering the label to said container through the adhesive.

The label including the inventive HMPSA and a release coaled second substrate can be suitable for laser printing. When a label is needed, the label is printed with the desired text on the second side of the first substrate (the HMPSA is on the first side). Laser printing exposes the HMPSA to heat and pressure. The HMPSA needs to have enough heat resistance, as measured by SAFT, to withstand this process.

The invention includes a label comprising a first substrate, the inventive HMPSA, and a release-coated second substrate wherein the inventive HMPSA is disposed between the first side of the first substrate and the release-coated surface of the second substrate. The second side of the first substrate can be laser printed.

The invention will now be described by way of the following examples. All parts, ratios, percentages and amounts stated in the Examples are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLES

The examples were made in 300 gram batches in the following way. All ingredients were measured into a metal pint can and heated at 177°C until molten. Once the composition was molten, the can was placed in a heating mantle which kept the composition molten, while molten the composition was mixed with an upright stirrer type mixer until a smooth and homogenous blend was achieved.

Test Procedures

Test procedures used in the examples include the following. All ratios and

percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated. The procedures are conducted at room temperature (i.e., an ambient temperature of from about 20°C to about 25°C) unless otherwise specified. The properties set forth for the components used in the compositions are as reported by the manufacturer unless otherwise specified. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Test Method

The heat of fusion was determined using differential scanning calorimetry according to ASTM E-793-01 entitled, "Standard Test Method for Heats of Fusion and Crystallization by Differential Scanning Calorimetry," using the following conditions: heating the sample to 160°C, holding for 5 minutes at 160°C, quench cooling to -60°C, and then heating from -60°C to 160°C at a rate of 10°C per minute. The results are reported in Joules per gram.

Viscosity Test Method

Viscosity is determined in accordance with ASTM D-3236 entitled, "Standard Test Method for Apparent viscosity of Hot Melt Adhesives and Coating Materials," (October 31, 1988), using a Brookfield Thermosel viscometer Model RVDV 2, and a number 27 spindle. The results are reported in centipoise (cP).

Adhesive Coated Mylar Preparation Method

A laminate is prepared by coating a molten sample composition onto an untreated Mylar film in 10.2 - 22.9 cms (4-9 inch) wide pattern at an add-on weight of 25 g/m ² +/- 2 g/m ² using a hot melt coater and then transferring the adhesive onto a 2 mil (0.05 mm) thick untreated Mylar release film to form an untreated Mylar film/adhesive/release treated Mylar film laminate.

Peel Force to Stainless Steel Test Method

Three samples were cut from the laminate prepared in the Adhesive Coated Mylar

Preparation Method. Test samples had a length of 8.0 inches (in) (20.32 cm) in the machine direction and 1.0 in (2.54 cm) in the cross-machine direction.

The release layer was then removed and the adhesive side was applied to a stainless steel panel having a length of 9 in (22.9 cm) and a width of 3 in (7.62 cm). Each test sample was placed on a 2 kg mechanical roll-down device and the roller was allowed to pass over the film side of the sample two times, once in the forward direction and once in the backward direction, at a rate of 305 mm/min. A timer was then activated and the sample was placed into the jaws of INSTRON-type peel tester. After one minute, the sample was peeled at a 180 degree angle according to PSTC 101 Test Method entitled, "Peel Adhesion of Pressure Sensitive Tape," and the peel force is recorded. The average peel force of the three samples is reported in Newtons (N)/ millimeter (mm) (lbs/in). Shear Adhesion Failure (SAFT) and Corrugate Bond Test Sample Preparation

Samples were cut from the laminate prepared in the Adhesive Coated Mylar

Preparation Method to a length of one inch in the cross- machine direction and three inches in the machine direction such that the adhesive was exposed at one end of the sample.

The Mylar release film was then removed from each of two samples to expose the one square inch area of the adhesive present on the end of each sample. The exposed adhesive of a first sample was then contacted with the exposed adhesive of a second sample to form a test sample that was five inches long and had a one inch overlap in the center. The sample was compressed with a 2 kg roller using two passes, one forward and one backward.

SAFT Test Method

The shear adhesion failure (SAFT) of the test sample was determined by placing a test sample in a programmed oven, applying a shear force with a 500 g weight and ramping the temperature up from 25°C to 175°C at a rate of 25°C per hour according to ASTM D-4498 entitled, "A Standard Test Method for the Heat-fail Temperature in Shear of Hot Melt Adhesives." The oven automatically records the temperature at which the test sample fails. The result reported was the average failure temperature of three test samples. The result was reported in degrees Celsius.

Corrugate Test Method

Test samples were prepared according to the Adhesive Coated Mylar Preparation Method. A 3 inch (7.6 cm) by 1 inch (2.54 cm) strip was cut and bonded to West Rock #44 corrugated board. It was then compressed with a 2 kg roller using two passes. Two samples were tested at each condition. At the appropriate length of time the samples were pulled and the amount of fiber tear noted. The samples were evaluated according to the following scale:

Low Temperature 180° Peels to Corrugate

Test samples were prepared according to the Adhesive Coated Mylar Preparation Method. 8 inch (20.32 cm) by 1 inch (2.54 cm) strips were cut. Laminations were made to corrugate board stock (West Rock #44) at room temperature using 1 pass forward, one pass backward of a 2 kg roller and allowed to age a minimum of 1 hour. After this dwell time, the samples were placed at the test temperature in a constant temperature chamber for at least 45 minutes), then peeled (at a rate of 12 inches/minute) at the specified temperature using an Instron testing machine in a temperature adjustable chamber. Samples were run in triplicate at each said temperature condition and then the average of the three samples is reported. The value reported is Average Load in N/mm (lb/in).

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

*HL2053 is a styrene block copolymer based adhesive commercially available from HB Fuller Company.

Other embodiments are within the claims. Each of the dependent claims could alternatively be dependent from any of the preceding claims rather than from a single claim.