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Polyacrylamide production: production methods, applications and safety measures.

June 4, 2025
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Polyacrylamide (PAM) is one of the most important organic polymers and has wide applications in various industries. This high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer is used in various industries as a coagulant, thickener and friction enhancer. This article takes a comprehensive look at the manufacturing processes of polyacrylamide, its types and industrial applications, as well as the safety aspects of its production and use.

Polyacrylamide  Chemistry

Molecular structure

Polyacrylamide is a polymer with the general formula (C₃H₅NO)n, which consists of repeating acrylamide units. This polymer comes in three forms: non-ionic,    anionic    and    cationic.    ,

Physical and chemical properties

  • Solubility    : Soluble in water, insoluble in most organic solvents.

  • Molecular weight    : 10⁵ to 10⁷ g/mol or more

  • Appearance    : White powder or viscous liquid.

  • Thermal stability    : decomposes at temperatures around 200–300 °C.

Polyacrylamid-VerdünnungskitHow to make polyacrylamide

1. Free radical polymerization of acrylamide

Commodities:

  • Acrylamidmonomer

  • Radical starters (peroxides, azo compounds)

  • Chain transmission means (if required)

  • Deionized water as a solvent

Synthesestufen:

  1. Preparation of the monomer solution    : Dissolve acrylamide in deionized water.

  2. Oxygen    removal: Use nitrogen or argon.

  3. Add primer    : at controlled temperature

  4. Reaction temperature    : 40-70°C

  5. Stop the reaction    by lowering the temperature or adding an inhibitor.

  6. Product cleaning    : Separation of the polymer from the remaining monomers.

2. Gel polymerization

Feature:

  • High monomer concentration (20-40%)

  • Ultra-high molecular weight polymer production

  • The final product   must   be shredded.

3. Polymerization in solution

Feature:

  • Better reaction control

  • narrower molecular weight distribution

  • Easy to clean

4. Reverse emulsion polymerization

on request:

  • Production of fast-melting polymers

  • Suitable for specific applications

  • Special surfactants are required

Types of polyacrylamide depending on pregnancy

1. Non-ionic polyacrylamide (NPAM)

  • without ionic groups

  • Applications in papermaking and water treatment.

  • Chemische Formel: [-CH₂-CH(CONH₂)-]ₙ

2. Anionic polyacrylamide (APAM)

  • Contains carboxylic acid groups

  • It is obtained by hydrolysis or copolymerization.

  • Application in the oil and mining industry

3. Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM)

  • Contains amino acids

  • More complex installation

  • Applications in wastewater treatment and paper production

Factors influencing polyacrylamide synthesis

  1. Type and amount of primer    :

    • Influence on reaction speed

    • Factors that determine molecular weight

    • Influence on molecular weight distribution

  2. Reaction temperature    :

    • Control of reaction kinetics

    • Influence on polymer dissolution

    • Influence on the stability of free radicals

  3. Monomer concentration    :

    • Factors that determine viscosity

    • Influence on heat transfer

    • Influence on molecular weight

  4. pH of the environment    :

    • Influence on monomer stability

    • Influence on the reaction mechanism

    • It plays an important role in the formation of various ions.

Cleaning and processing of products

Cleaning:

  1. Solvent precipitation    : Use acetone or methanol.

  2. Haemodialysis    : Separation of the remaining monomers

  3. Chromatography    : When high purity is required

  4. Filtration    : Separation of solid impurities.

Dry goods:

  • Spray dryer

  • Fluidized Bed Dryers

  • Vacuum dryer

Industrial Applications of Polyacrylamide

1. Water supply and wastewater treatment

  • Coagulants and thrombolytics

  • Reduction of water turbidity

  • Heavy metal removal

2. Oil & Gas Industry

  • Improved oil recovery

  • Drilling mud viscosity control

  • Reduction of friction in pipes

3. Paper production

  • Improve the strength of the paper

  • Improve filler retention

  • Reducing water pollution in factories

4. Mining

  • Metal flotation

  • Waste concentration

  • Recovery of valuable materials

5. Food industry

  • Beverage clarification

  • Protein recovery

  • Emulsion stabilization

Safety aspects in production and application

Risks of acrylamide (monomer):

  • Neurotoxicity

  • Cancer risk

  • Absorption through the skin

Notes during production:

  1. Adequate ventilation    : Industrial ventilation systems

  2. Personal protective equipment    : gloves, masks and goggles.

  3. Environmental monitoring    : measurement of monomer concentration in the air

  4. Staff training,    :  hazard awareness  and first aid measures

Storage and transport:

  • Store away from light and heat.

  • Prevent freezing

  • Use appropriate packaging.

  • Compliance with regulations for the transport of chemicals

Polyacrylamide Quality Standards

Quality Control Standards:

  1. Residual monomer content    : maximum 0.05 %

  2. Molecular weight    : depending on  the intended use

  3. Hydrolysis degree    : Anionic

  4. Ash content    : Refers to mineral impurities.

  5. Melting time    : depends on the type of application.

Internationale Standards:

  • ISO 15039:2007 Synthetisches Polyacrylamid

  • NSF/ANSI 60 for drinking water treatment

  • EPA Environmental Standards

Latest innovations in polyacrylamide synthesis

  1. Use     :new primers

    • Dual operating system

    • Initiator of photosynthesis

    • The first enzyme

  2. Controlled Polymerization Methods    :

  3. Production of nanocomposites    :

    • Combination with metal nanoparticles

    • Polymer clay compounds

    • Hybrid organometallic structure

  4. Smart Polymer    :

    • Reaction to external stimuli

    • Shape memory polymers

    • Controlled starting system

Problems and future research in the field of polyacrylamide synthesis

Current topics:

  1. Reduction of toxic monomer waste

  2. Precise molecular weight control

  3. Improved thermal stability

  4. Increase Resolution Rate

Future research directions:

  • Development of green synthesis methods

  • Use of renewable raw materials

  • Improve energy consumption

  • Production of special functional polymers

At last

The synthesis of polyacrylamide is crucial due to its wide application in various industries. Selecting a suitable synthesis process based on the desired product type, production costs and safety aspects is a key factor for the industrial production of this widely used polymer. Recent advances in polymerization processes and modification of the polymer structure allow the production of products with    more diverse and improved properties    . Adherence to safety principles in the production and use of polyacrylamide, especially in the use of the toxic monomer acrylamide, is essential in this industry. Future research priorities in this area include the development of environmentally friendly processes and the production of intelligent polymers with improved performance characteristics.