Abstract: In general, the invention features a pressure sensitive adhesive that comprises the reaction product of: (a) from about 25 to about 95 parts by weight of at least one acrylic acid ester of a monohydric alcohol whose homopolymer has a Tg less than 0° C., (b) from 0 to about 75 parts by weight of at least one non-polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of no greater than 10.50 and a Tg greater than 15° C.; and (c) from about 5 to about 35 parts by weight of at least one polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of greater than 10.50 and a Tg greater than 15° C. The pressure sensitive adhesives adhere to substrates having a low surface energy and/or high surface energy.

Abstract: Acrylic copolymers that include the controlled placement of functional groups within the polymer structure are provided. The copolymers contain a reactive segment and a non-reactive segment and are manufactured via a controlled radical polymerization process. The copolymers are useful in the manufacture of adhesives and elastomers.