The thermal stability and adhesion properties, such as lap-shear strength of hot-melt adhesives were obtained from amorphous poly(a-olefins) and thermoplastic rubber [styreneethylenebutylene copolymer (SEBS)] blends. The addition of SEBS increased the toughness and viscosity and decreased the lap-shear strength of the hot-melt adhesive. Terpene tackifier resin offered enhanced lap-shear strength; this was more effective when combined tackifier resin was added on the hot-melt adhesive. Only a small amount of wax and antioxidant affected the thermal stability and lap-shear strength of the hot-melt adhesive. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012