Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic resin produced by polymerizing acrylamide, primarily used in waste water treatment, oil recovery, paper making, and as a soil conditioner.

Chemical Structure

Polyacrylamide is a polymer formed from acrylamide subunits. It can be synthesized as a simple linear-chain structure or cross-linked. In the cross-linked form, the possibility of the monomer being present is reduced even further. It is highly water-absorbent, forming a soft gel when hydrated.

Uses

Polyacrylamide is used in many industries such as:

• Waste Water Treatment: Polyacrylamide is used in waste water treatment plants. The polyacrylamide is added to assist in the coagulation of the solids to form a floc. The floc is then removed from the water.

• Oil Recovery: Polyacrylamide can be used in enhanced oil recovery where it is used to increase the viscosity of water to improve the effectiveness of the water flooding process.

• Paper Making: Polyacrylamide is used in paper making industry to enhance the strength of the paper. It is also used to increase the efficiency of the flotation and retention process.

• Soil Conditioner: Polyacrylamide is used in agriculture as a soil conditioner. It increases the water-holding capacity of the soil and improves the quality of the soil.

Health Effects

Polyacrylamide itself is not toxic, but its monomer, acrylamide, is toxic if ingested and can cause nerve damage. The residual acrylamide found in polyacrylamide is minimal and does not cause any harm to humans.

See Also

• Acrylamide
• Polymer
• Soil Conditioner
• Waste Water Treatment
• Oil Recovery
• Paper Making

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