Isomerized terpene tackifier resins

Abstract

A novel copolymer resin which has excellent tackifying properties for selected elastomers useful in hot melt and pressure sensitive adhesives is produced by the copolymerization of beta-pinene with other terpenes or hydrocarbon monomers, followed by thermal catalytic isomerization of the resin produced. Typically, beta-pinene and styrene (80/20) are copolymerized at a temperature between 0.degree. to 60.degree. C. under anhydrous conditions with a Lewis acid catalyst in a solvent. After catalyst removal, the copolymer resin is isomerized with iodine as a catalyst at a temperature between 200.degree. to 260.degree. C. Excellent yields of high softening point tackifier resins are produced.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.