Polyurethane pressure-sensitive adhesives (PU-PSAs) with satisfactory tack, cohesion, and removability were newly developed through the synthetic process by reacting methylene diisocyanate, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and a 1,4-butanediol chain extender based on the different HDI/HDI trimer ratios. The sticking properties of PU-PSAs depended on both the HDI/HDI trimer ratio and crosslinking-agent composition in the formulation. The molecular weight (MW) dependence of adhesion in PU-PSA was observed in the range of 1000 < Mn < 3000, suggesting that the increase in MW limits the pressure-sensitive adhesion of these samples. The differences in the crosslinking-density significantly affected the cohesion, adhesion, and tack in PU-PSA. The formulation of 50 wt.% 600PEG and 50 wt.% crosslinking-agent and an HDI/HDI trimer ratio of 1.0 led to the optimal balance between the adhesion and cohesion properties owing to the sufficient tack, high 180-peel strength, and good cohesion.
Keywords: adhesion; peel; polymer; polyurethane; pressure-sensitive adhesives; tacky-free.