Polyacrylamide: A Key Role in Water Quality Improvement

Polyacrylamide (PAM)

In the water treatment industry, polyacrylamide (PAM) is a commonly used polymer with the chemical formula [-CH₂CH(CONH₂)]n. It effectively improves water quality through the flocculation, precipitation, and filtration of pollutants in water. Depending on its ionic properties, polyacrylamide can be classified into four types: cationic, anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric. Each type has distinct characteristics and is suitable for different water qualities and treatment needs.

1. Cationic Polyacrylamide (CPAM): This appears as white powder granules with a molecular weight ranging from 8 to 15 million. Its ionicity ranges from 20% to 55%. It has good water solubility and can dissolve in water at any ratio, but it is insoluble in organic solvents. The effective pH range is 1 to 14, displaying the characteristics of a high polymer electrolyte. It is suitable for treating wastewater that contains negatively charged and organic substances.

2. Anionic Polyacrylamide (APAM): Also appearing as white powder granules, its molecular weight ranges from 6 to 25 million. It has good water solubility and can dissolve in water at any ratio, but it is insoluble in organic solvents. The effective pH range is 7 to 14. It shows high polymer electrolyte characteristics under neutral to alkaline conditions. It is sensitive to electrolyte salts and can form insoluble gels with metal ions.

3. Nonionic Polyacrylamide (NPAM): Similarly appearing as white powder granules, its molecular weight ranges from 2 to 12 million. NPAM is suitable as a flocculant when treating suspended acidic wastewater. It promotes the flocculation and precipitation of suspended particles through adsorption and bridging actions, thus achieving the purpose of purifying wastewater.

4. Amphoteric Polyacrylamide (ACPAM): This also appears as white powder granules with a molecular weight of about 8 to 10 million. ACPAM is formed by copolymerization and contains both cationic (ionicity: 5-60%) and anionic (ionicity: 0-10%) components. This irregular ionicity gives it amphoteric properties, making it applicable to various water treatment applications, particularly suitable for the paper industry.

Overall, selecting the appropriate type of polyacrylamide based on water quality and treatment needs can effectively improve water quality and achieve environmental protection goals. Our range of polyacrylamide products includes cationic, anionic, and nonionic types to meet different water qualities and treatment requirements. We look forward to working with you to improve water quality, protect the environment, and achieve sustainable development goals.