What Is Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Its Applications

Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a water-soluble polymer widely used in water treatment, oil recovery, papermaking, and soil stabilization. It is known for its excellent flocculation, thickening, and viscosity-enhancing properties, making it a key chemical in industrial, environmental, and agricultural applications.

Composition and Properties

• Base Material: Acrylamide monomer (polymerized into linear or crosslinked chains)

• Forms:

  • Nonionic PAM – neutral functional groups, high stability in water

  • Anionic PAM – negatively charged groups, effective in removing suspended solids

  • Cationic PAM – positively charged groups, suitable for specific wastewater treatments

• Additives: Crosslinkers, stabilizers, and processing aids

PAM is highly soluble in water, forming viscous solutions that enhance particle aggregation, sedimentation, and soil binding.

Key Features

• Flocculation: Aggregates suspended particles for water clarification

• Thickening & Viscosity Control: Adjustable viscosity for industrial processes

• Oil Recovery Enhancement: Increases oil displacement efficiency in tertiary recovery

• Soil Conditioning: Reduces erosion and improves water retention

• Wide Compatibility: Works in freshwater, brackish water, and various industrial systems

• Environmentally Friendly: Non-toxic, biodegradable options available

Applications

• Water Treatment: Clarifying municipal and industrial wastewater, sludge dewatering

• Oil & Gas Industry: Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by increasing water viscosity

• Papermaking: Retention aid, drainage aid, and paper strength enhancer

• Agriculture: Soil conditioner to prevent erosion and retain moisture

• Textile & Dyeing: Improves dye absorption and fiber treatment

• Mining: Flocculation in tailings and mineral processing

Advantages

• Highly effective at low concentrations

• Customizable charge type and molecular weight for specific applications

• Improves operational efficiency in water treatment and oil recovery

• Reduces chemical usage and energy consumption

• Biodegradable options reduce environmental impact

Limitations

• Sensitive to high salinity or extreme pH, which can reduce effectiveness

• Requires careful storage to prevent degradation

• Crosslinked PAM is insoluble in water and cannot be used for flocculation

Technical Parameters (Typical)

• Molecular Weight: 3–25 million Da (depending on type)

• Solubility: 100% water-soluble (linear PAM)

• Charge Type: Nonionic, Anionic, Cationic

• Appearance: White powder or granular

• Viscosity: Adjustable based on concentration and molecular weight

• PH Range: 4–10 (optimal for most flocculation applications)

FAQs

Q1: Why is PAM widely used in water treatment?
Because it flocculates suspended solids, improves sludge dewatering, and clarifies water efficiently.

Q2: How does PAM enhance oil recovery?
By increasing water viscosity, it improves oil displacement efficiency in tertiary recovery operations.

Q3: What is the difference between anionic, cationic, and nonionic PAM?

• Anionic: Removes positively charged particles in wastewater

• Cationic: Removes negatively charged particles, used in specific effluents

• Nonionic: Neutral, stable across a wide range of conditions

Q4: Can PAM be used in agriculture?
Yes, PAM acts as a soil conditioner, reducing erosion and retaining moisture in arid areas.

Q5: Are there environmental concerns with PAM?
Linear PAM is non-toxic, and biodegradable forms are available; acrylamide monomer residues must be controlled during production.