A strategy for the design of adhesives is proposed which uses knowledge of polymer-surface interactions and block copolymer behaviour, giving target molecules which can build in compatibility with normally incompatible substrates and giving maximum tack at the temperature or use. The synthesis of these adhesives is carried out by a relatively simple procedure, which makes use of the existing chemistry of polyurethanes and associated technology from the polyurethane industry. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.