Abstract: The invention relates to adhesive compositions comprising zwitterionic copolymers, including repulpable adhesive compositions, and adhesive tapes made with such compositions. The adhesive compositions comprise a zwitterionic copolymer and a zwitterionic plasticizer or tackifier which can be coated on a backing to form an adhesive tape. The repulpable tapes are formed from a repulpable adhesive composition comprising a zwitterionic copolymer coated on a repulpable backing. Examples of zwitterionic copolymers are those derived from the monomers N-(3-sulphopropyl)-N-methacryloxy-ethyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium betaine or N-(3-sulphopropyl)-N-acryloxy-ethyl-N, N-dimethyl ammonium betaine. Some of the zwitterionic copolymers are novel.

Abstract: The invention relates to adhesive compositions, preferably those for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, comprising an adhesive polymer and, as tackifier or plasticizer, a zwitterionic compound. The zwitterionic compounds include those of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl or aryl which may be interrupted in the alkyl chain by one or more oxygen atoms, R.sup.4 is H or OH,Z.sup..theta. is CO.sub.2.sup..theta. or SO.sub.3.sup..theta.,x and y are each 0, 1 or 2 provided that the sum of x and y is less than or equal to 4.