Abstract: There are disclosed normally tacky, pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions comprising one or more normally tacky polymers having a T.sub.g of about 0.degree. C. or less and containing pendant functional groups attached to the backbone and having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is a divalent organic radical at least 3 atoms in length, and X is organoacyl or cyano, the polymers preferably also being normally tacky when cured. Such polymers have markedly improved cohesive strength (shear holding value) with little or no detriment to adhesive tack or adhesion (peel resistance), and these improvements are realized without the necessity of incorporating cross-linking monomers such as N-methylolamides or other cross-linking agents. Pressure-sensitive adhesive, water-based emulsions containing such polymers and pressure-sensitive adhesive articles comprising a substrate having at least a portion of one surface thereof coated with the adhesive compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer comprising pendant functional groups having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a divalent radical and X is selected from the group consisting of organoacyl and cyano, is cross-linked by exposure to radiation having a wavelength in the range of about 10.sup.-3 to about 400 nm.