Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Steven K Itoh

Timothy M Dietz

Rosa Uy

The present invention discloses a low impedance, water-absorbing, ionically-conductive, hydrophilic pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising an ionically-conductive, hydrophilic, pressure sensitive adhesive hydrogel and crosslinked poly(N-vinyl lactam) in an amount sufficient to retain low electrical impedance and maintain hydrogel adhesion and cohesion during use of the composition in the presence of water and other moisture tending to plasticize the hydrogel. Crosslinked homopolymers and copolymers of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) having Swelling Capacity of at least 15 milliliters of water per gram of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) are preferred. Adhesion values upon removal from mammalian skin after about four hours of adhesion are not greater than initial adhesion removal values, demonstrating ease of removal of electrodes of the present invention from skin.

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Cottage Grove, MN, United States of America

Steven K Itoh