[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, classification and uses of polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide Properties

Polyacrylamide (Polyacrylamide, referred to as PAM) is a kind of high molecular polymer produced by free radical polymerization of acrylamide monomer. Its molecular chain contains a large number of amide groups (-CONH2), which makes it have good hydrophilicity and high molecular weight. The appearance of polyacrylamide is usually white powder or particles, soluble in water to form a transparent colloidal substance. It is highly soluble in water, but insoluble in most organic solvents. Due to the high molecular weight and unique structure of polyacrylamide, it can form a strong network structure in solution, thus showing good thickening, flocculation and adhesion properties.

Polyacrylamide use

Polyacrylamide is widely used in many industries. In the field of water treatment, PAM is mainly used as a flocculant for sewage treatment and drinking water purification, which can effectively aggregate suspended particles into large blocks and settle down. In the petroleum industry, it is used as a drilling fluid additive and an oil displacement agent in tertiary oil recovery technology. By changing the rheological properties of the fluid, it improves the oil-water separation effect and increases crude oil recovery. Polyacrylamide is also used in the paper industry as a retention aid to improve the retention rate and filtration efficiency of pulp; in the textile industry, it is used as a textile sizing agent and fabric finishing agent to improve the strength and abrasion resistance of textiles; In agriculture, PAM is used as a soil conditioner, which can effectively reduce soil erosion and improve soil water retention capacity.

Polyacrylamide upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of polyacrylamide mainly depends on its upstream raw material-acrylamide. Acrylamide is usually produced from propylene by catalytic hydration reaction or sulfuric acid hydration method, which is widely used because of its higher efficiency and lower pollution. The key to the production of polyacrylamide is to control the polymerization conditions, including temperature, pressure and initiator selection, to ensure high molecular weight and good product performance.

The downstream applications of polyacrylamide are extensive and diversified, covering many fields such as water treatment, oil extraction, paper making, textile and agriculture. Each field has different requirements for the performance of PAM, so the control of its molecular weight, ionic type and solubility parameters is also put forward different requirements. For example, the water treatment industry requires PAM with high molecular weight and high flocculation performance, while the oil industry pays more attention to its temperature resistance and salt tolerance.

Polyacrylamide storage method

Polyacrylamide needs to be protected from moisture, high temperature and pollution during storage. PAM should be stored in a dry, cool, ventilated warehouse, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment, to prevent moisture caking or degradation. The storage temperature should be controlled between 10-30 degrees Celsius, and the humidity should not exceed 70%. Polyacrylamide is very sensitive to moisture. Once it absorbs moisture, its performance will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the package should be sealed during storage and transportation to prevent moisture. Commonly used packaging materials include multi-layer paper bags, plastic woven bags and moisture-proof paper bags. In order to prevent pollution, contact with organic solvents, acid and alkaline substances and strong oxidants should be avoided during storage to avoid chemical reactions and affect product quality and safety.

Polyacrylamide Market Prospects

With the enhancement of global environmental awareness and the importance of water resources management, the demand for polyacrylamide in the field of water treatment has shown a rapid growth trend. Especially in emerging market countries, the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, and the increasing demand for sewage treatment and drinking water purification have promoted the expansion of the PAM market. With the increasing difficulty of oil resource exploitation, the application scope of tertiary oil recovery technology has been expanded, which further enhances the application demand of polyacrylamide in the petroleum industry. In addition, the continuous development of traditional industries such as papermaking and textiles, as well as the demand for soil improvement and soil and water conservation in the agricultural field, also provide a stable growth momentum for the polyacrylamide market.

Environmental protection and sustainable development

Although polyacrylamide has shown superior performance in many fields, its raw material acrylamide has certain toxicity, and strict control is required during production and use to prevent environmental pollution and harm to human health. Therefore, the development of green production technology and improving the biodegradability of products have become an important direction for the future development of the industry. Some research and enterprises have begun to explore the use of renewable resources to produce acrylamide and polyacrylamide to reduce dependence on petrochemical resources and environmental load. Improving the recycling rate and degradation capacity of products is also the key to achieving sustainable development.

Conclusion

As an important polymer material, polyacrylamide plays an irreplaceable role in modern industry and environmental protection due to its unique physical and chemical properties and wide application prospects. With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the application field of polyacrylamide will be further expanded, and its market prospects will be broader. How to ensure the environmental protection and sustainability of the production process in meeting the market demand is still an important challenge for the industry. Through continuous technological innovation and process improvement, polyacrylamide industry will usher in a brighter development prospects in the future.