Adhesives comprising olefin copolymers

Abstract

Disclosed are adhesives and processes for preparing the same, comprising at least one first homogeneous ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, and optionally at least one tackifier, and optionally at least one plasticizer. The claimed adhesives are useful as adhesives such as are employed in various applications, such as in masking tape, clear office tape, labels, decals, bandages, decorative and protective sheets (such as shelf and drawer liners), floor tiles, sanitary napkin/incontinence device placement strips, sun control films, the joining of gaskets to automobile windows, packaging, bookbinding, construction of nonwoven articles, and insulation bonding.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
   
   
       30 . An adhesive comprising: 
 (a) from 5 to 95 weight percent of at least one homogeneous ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, characterized as having a density from 0.850 to 0.885 g/cm 3 ;    (b) from 0 to 95 weight percent of at least one tackifier;    (c) from 0 to about 90 weight percent of at least one plasticizer;    and    (d) from 0 to 90 weight percent of at least one wax;    wherein the sum of components (b), (c), and (d) comprises 5 to 95 weight percent of said adhesive.    
   
   
       31 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises less then 30 weight percent of the at least one interpolymer, and from 10 to 75 weight percent of the at least one tackifier.  
   
   
       32 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises greater than, or equal to, 30 weight percent of the at least one interpolymer, and comprises less than 30 weight percent of the at least one tackifier.  
   
   
       33 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises less than 30 weight percent of the at least one plasticizer.  
   
   
       34 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises less than, or equal to, 60 weight percent of the at least one wax.  
   
   
       35 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises less than 30 weight percent of the at least one interpolymer, and wherein the at least one interpolymer has a melt index (I2 at 190° C.) less than, or equal to, 50 g/10 min.  
   
   
       36 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the adhesive comprises greater than 30 weight percent of the at least one interpolymer, and wherein the at least one interpolymer has a melt index (I2 at 190° C.) less than, or equal to, 500 g/10 min.  
   
   
       37 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) from 1.5 to 2.5.  
   
   
       38 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one interpolymer has a number average molecular weight (Mn) greater than, or equal to, 3,000 g/mole.  
   
   
       39 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the at least one interpolymer has a number average molecular weight (Mn) less than 11,000 g/mole.  
   
   
       40 . The adhesive of  claim 30 , wherein the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer is prepared from ethylene and at least one C 3 -C 20  α-olefin.  
   
   
       41 . A nonwoven article comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier bonded by the adhesive of  claim 30 .  
   
   
       42 . The nonwoven article of  claim 41 , wherein said article comprises disposables including disposable diapers and feminine napkins.  
   
   
       43 . An article comprising the adhesive of  claim 30 .  
   
   
       44 . An adhesive consisting essentially of: 
 (a) from 5 to 95 weight percent of at least one homogeneous ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, characterized as having a density from 0.850 to 0.885 g/cm 3  and a number average molecular weight of from 3,000 to 100,000;    (b) from 5 to about 90 weight percent of at least one plasticizer chosen from hydrocarbon oils, polybutene, or liquid elastomers;    (c) from 0 to 95 weight percent of at least one tackifier; and    (d) from 0 to 90 weight percent of at least one wax.    
   
   
       45 . The adhesive of  claim 44 , wherein said hydrocarbon oils are paraffinic or napthenic oils with low aromatic content.  
   
   
       46 . A nonwoven article comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier bonded by the adhesive composition of  claim 44 .  
   
   
       47 . The nonwoven article of  claim 46 , wherein said article comprises disposables including disposable diapers and feminine napkins.  
   
   
       48 . An article comprising the adhesive of  claim 44 .  
   
   
       49 . An adhesive comprising: 
 (a) from 5 to 95 weight percent of at least one homogeneous ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, characterized as having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) less than 20,000 g/mole;    (b) from 0 to 95 weight percent of at least one tackifier;    (c) from 0 to about 90 weight percent of at least one plasticizer;    and    (d) from 0 to 90 weight percent of at least one wax;    wherein the sum of components (b), (c), and (d) comprises 5 to 95 weight percent of said adhesive.