Book excerpt: Growing interest in the formulation of pressure-sensitive adhesives as described in the first edition of this book ( Pressure-Sensitive Formulation, VSP, 2000) required a new, enlarged edition including the design of pressure-sensitive adhesives as a separate volume. Developments in the understanding of pressure sensitivity were necessary to use macromolecular chemistry for pressure-sensitive design. Such developments include polymer physics and contact mechanics. Progress in coating technology, especially in in-line coating- and synthesis, opened new ways for the design of pressure-sensitive adhesives and products as well. Actually, pressure-sensitive-products with and without adhesives compete requiring a broad variety of material formulations and the corresponding manufacturing technology. The first volume of the book examines the theoretical aspects of pressure-sensitive design, based on macromolecular chemistry, macromolecular physics, rheology and contact mechanics. The second volume describes the practical aspects of pressure-sensitive design and formulation, related to product application. The advances in the various domains are described by specialists.