Polyacrylamide (PAM for short) is a linear high-molecular polymer with excellent flocculation, thickening, adhesion and stability. It is widely used in water treatment, oil extraction, papermaking, textile, agriculture and other fields. Its unique molecular structure endows it with multiple advantages, making it an important material in industrial production and environmental governance.
I. Main Advantages of Polyacrylamide
1.Outstanding flocculation performance
The PAM molecular chain contains a large number of amide groups (-CONH₂), which can rapidly aggregate and settle suspended particles through adsorption, bridging, electro-neutralization and other effects, significantly improving the efficiency of solid-liquid separation.
Applications: Sewage treatment (such as municipal sewage and industrial wastewater), sludge dewatering, mineral flotation, etc.
2.Efficient thickening and rheological regulation capabilities
PAM aqueous solution has an extremely high viscosity, which can effectively thicken and stabilize the colloid system, and is suitable for industries that need to adjust rheological properties.
Applications: Oil extraction (to enhance oil displacement efficiency), coatings, cosmetics, adhesives, etc.
3.Excellent salt tolerance and adaptability
PAM can maintain stability in high-salt and high-pH environments and is suitable for different water quality conditions.
Cationic type (CPAM) : It is suitable for wastewater with negative charges (such as printing and dyeing, papermaking wastewater).
Anionic type (APAM) : Suitable for wastewater with high suspended solids (such as coal washing and mineral processing).
Nonionic type (NPAM) : Suitable for acidic or neutral wastewater.
4. Low usage, high efficiency
The dosage of PAM is usually only 0.1 to 10 ppm (parts per million), which can achieve significant flocculation or thickening effects and reduce the cost of use.
5.Environmental protection and degradability
PAM itself is non-toxic and some types are biodegradable, meeting environmental protection requirements. It is suitable for drinking water treatment and ecologically sensitive fields.
Ii. Core Application Fields of Polyacrylamide
1.Water treatment industry
Municipal sewage treatment: Accelerate sludge sedimentation and improve effluent quality.
Industrial wastewater treatment: such as electroplating, printing and dyeing, and papermaking wastewater, for the removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants.
Drinking water purification: As a coagulant aid, it enhances filtration efficiency.
2.Oil extraction
Tertiary oil recovery (EOR) : As an oil displacement agent, it enhances the crude oil recovery rate.
Drilling fluid additive: Enhances mud viscosity and stabilizes wellbore.
3.Papermaking and Textile
Papermaking auxiliaries: Enhance paper strength and reduce fiber loss.
Textile printing and dyeing: Used as sizing and finishing agent to improve the hand feel of fabrics.
4. Agriculture and Soil Improvement
Water-retaining agent: Enhances the soil's water-holding capacity and reduces irrigation demands.
Sand prevention and soil stabilization: Suppress dust and prevent soil erosion.
Iii. Future Development Trends of Polyacrylamide
With the tightening of environmental protection regulations and the growth of industrial demand, the research and development of PAM is moving towards high performance, low toxicity and degradability, for example:
Intelligent responsive PAM (such as temperature-sensitive and ph-sensitive types).
Nano-composite PAM enhances flocculation and thickening efficiency.
Green synthesis technology reduces pollution during the production process.
Conclusion
Polyacrylamide, with its advantages of high efficiency in flocculation, thickening, salt resistance and environmental friendliness, has become an indispensable functional polymer material in modern industry and environmental governance. In the future, with technological progress, its application scope will further expand, providing more solutions for sustainable development.