Abstract: A gelatinous adhesive composition and a tacky article of manufacture are produced by heating at least one polyhydric alcohol and at least one material selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring high molecular weight polysaccharide gums, other than gum Karaya, and resins which are a copolymer of a vinyl ether and a second component selected from maleic anhydride and its corresponding free acid, together in the absence of solvent to promote chemical reaction between the components and to drive off water produced in the reaction, the reaction being carried substantially to completion. In another embodiment, the components are at least one polyhydric alcohol, a resin which is a copolymer of a vinyl ether and a second component selected from maleic anhydride and its corresponding free acid, and a material selected from the group consisting of gelatin and naturally occurring high molecular weight polysaccharide gums.

Abstract: An article of manufacture with adhesive properties comprising a gelatinous adhesive composition dispersed in a plastics matrix. The gelatinous adhesive composition is the resulting product of heating together in the absence of solvent at least one polyhydric alcohol and at least one material selected from the group consisting of gelatin, naturally occurring high molecular weight polysaccharide gums, and resins which are a copolymer of a vinyl ether and a second component selected from organic acid anhydrides and their corresponding free acids. Heating promotes a chemical reaction between the components and also drives off water produced in the reaction which is carried substantially to completion.