A process for preparing a surfactant, useful for dispersing tackifier resins
in
aqueous media, comprises reacting an -unsaturated carboxylic acid
or anhydride, or an ester thereof, with a terpene- or hydrocarbon-based resin to
form an adduct, then reacting the adduct with a polyalkylene polyol to yield the
surfactant. In a related embodiment, the surfactant is subsequently functionalized.
Also disclosed are surfactants prepared using a disclosed process; compositions
comprising a disclosed surfactant and a tackifier resin; aqueous dispersions comprising
a disclosed surfactant; tackifier resin and water; adhesive compositions comprising
a disclosed aqueous dispersion and a polymer latex; and pressure sensitive adhesive
overlays prepared using a disclosed adhesive composition.
