Correlation between Polyacrylamide Ionic Degree and Hydrolysis Degree and Analysis of Their Applications

In the field of wastewater treatment, polyacrylamide (PAM) plays a pivotal role owing to its unique properties. Its primary technical indicators encompass molecular weight, ionisation degree, and degree of hydrolysis, all of which directly influence the efficacy of polyacrylamide’s interaction with wastewater. Among these, ion charge represents the core technical parameter for cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), whilst degree of hydrolysis constitutes the key indicator for both anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) and non-ionic polyacrylamide (NPAM). I. Analysis of Hydrolysis Degree in Polyacrylamide The degree of hydrolysis of polyacrylamide refers to the ratio of hydrolysed polyacrylamide molecules to the total number of dissolved polyacrylamide molecules after dissolution. During the polymerisation process, the degree of hydrolysis is typically controlled by adjusting the amount of sodium carbonate added. In wastewater treatment, commonly used anionic polyacrylamide products are predominantly of medium hydrolysis degree, typically maintained between 20% and 25%. Within this range, the hydrolysis degree enables anionic polyacrylamide to exhibit excellent flocculation properties in wastewater, effectively removing suspended solids and colloidal matter. II. Analysis of Polyacrylamide Ionic Degree The ion degree of polyacrylamide indicates the density of its charged particles, with this charge density directly determining its reactivity during wastewater treatment. During polymerisation, the ion degree is controlled by adding cationic monomers. The ion degree of cationic polyacrylamide used in wastewater treatment typically ranges between 10 and 60. A higher ion degree indicates a greater proportion of cationic monomers, resulting in a positive correlation between the price of cationic polyacrylamide and its ion degree – that is, the higher the ion degree, the higher the price. A higher ion degree enables cationic polyacrylamide to more effectively perform charge neutralisation and bridging functions when treating wastewater containing large quantities of negatively charged colloids, thereby enhancing flocculation efficiency. III. Relationship between Ionisation Degree and Hydrolysis Degree From the perspective of definition and control methods, the ionisation degree and degree of hydrolysis of polyacrylamide are mutually independent indicators pertaining to different types of polyacrylamide, with no direct correlation between them. The ionisation degree primarily describes the charge characteristics of cationic polyacrylamide, while the degree of hydrolysis mainly reflects the extent of hydrolysis in anionic and non-ionic polyacrylamide. However, in practical applications, these factors collectively influence the performance of polyacrylamide in wastewater treatment. The characteristics of wastewater vary significantly across different industries, and neither higher hydrolysed degree nor higher ionisation degree necessarily equates to superior performance. Selecting the appropriate polyacrylamide grade requires comprehensive consideration of the wastewater’s specific properties, such as pH level, suspended solids content, and colloidal charge characteristics. Typically, experimental selection is required. This involves conducting pilot-scale trials, repeatedly testing and analysing indicators such as flocculation efficiency and sedimentation rate for polyacrylamide with varying degrees of ionisation or hydrolysis in the wastewater. Subsequently, full-scale trials are performed to ultimately determine the suitable polyacrylamide grade and dosage, thereby achieving optimal wastewater treatment efficacy and economic benefits. The main products of flocculant manufacturer Xinhuan Water Treatment are: White polyaluminium chloride (food grade), drinking grade polyaluminium chloride, industrial grade polyaluminium chloride, anionic polyacrylamide, cationic polyacrylamide, nonionic polyacrylamide, petroleum recycling polyacrylamide, oil recovery polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide, polymer flocculant polymer flocculation coagulant, polymeric ferrous sulphate, polymerized iron and aluminium chloride, and other water treatment chemicals. Welcome customers to write to us to negotiate business! Tel/WhatsApp：86 19139972558 Email：Sunny@xhwtm.com Contact:Sunny