Butyl acrylate and methyl acrylate copolymers were prepared and evaluated as pressure-sensitive adhesives. The effects of polymerization conditions such as the temperature, time, amounts of the monomers, and feeding method on the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and composition of the resultant copolymers were investigated. The adhesive properties were evaluated in terms of the viscosity, peel strength, and hold time. The best molar ratio of methyl acrylate in the copolymer was 0.466 for pressure-sensitive adhesives. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.