Elastomer based adhesive compositions

A dimensionally recoverable article comprising:

• (a) an expanded elastomeric sheet maintained in the expanded state;
• (b) a restraining means for maintaining said elastomeric sheet in the expanded state;
• and
• (c) a layer of adhesive composition on the surface of said elastomeric sheet which is in the direction of dimensional recovery of the sheet, said adhesive composition consisting essentially of:
• (i) 100 parts of an elastomer selected from the group consisting of polar elastomers and unsaturated elastomers which have at least 5 mole percent unsaturation, said elastomer being a non-crystalline elastomer or an elastomer which has a slow rate of crystallization such that after a time period of at least 100 hours has elapsed following subjecting the elastomer to a temperature of 70.degree. C. for 30 minutes, the elastomer has a room temperature Shore A hardness of less than 60;
• (ii) 5 to 200 parts of a tackifier;
• (iii) 0.5-20 parts of an oxide of a metal of Group Ia, IIa, IIb, IVa, or VIIb of the Periodic table;
• and
• (iv) 0-100 parts of a plasticizer;
• said adhesive composition exhibiting a flow of at least 30% at 97.degree. C. under a compressive load of 50 grams.