Abstract

The present invention concerns a novel water-insoluble, hydrophilic, pressure-sensitive adhesive that has a number of unique characteristics including being elastomeric and ultraconformable. This adhesive includes an irradiation cross-linked synthetic organic polymer having a three-dimensional matrix, and an adhesive plasticizer. The plasticizer includes a substantially non-volatile elasticizer. The adhesive is useful either as a coating on a supporting web-like substrate or as a self-supporting layer. Also provided are various articles made using the adhesive such as a bandage or ostomy device, a method of making the adhesive, and methods of using the adhesive.In one embodiment, the adhesive is electroconductive, and is useful for attaching an electrically conductive member of an electrode to a selected surface such as mammalian tissue. Also provided is an electrode having a layer of this adhesive, and a method of adhering this electrode to mammalian tissue.