Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a sophisticated polymer that has revolutionized water treatment processes through its remarkable ability to facilitate solid-liquid separation. Understanding the scientific principles behind its function is key to appreciating its widespread application. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. explores the science that makes PAM an indispensable tool for clean water.

At its core, polyacrylamide is a long-chain polymer composed of repeating acrylamide monomer units. This structure gives PAM its water-soluble nature and its capacity to form viscous solutions. The magic of PAM in water treatment lies in its ability to act as a flocculant or coagulant. Most particles suspended in water carry an electric charge, which causes them to repel each other, remaining dispersed and creating turbidity.

PAM molecules, depending on their type (cationic, anionic, or non-ionic), possess charged functional groups. When introduced into wastewater, these charged groups neutralize the charges on the suspended particles. This neutralization reduces the electrostatic repulsion, allowing the particles to come together. This initial aggregation is often referred to as micro-floc formation. Subsequently, the long polymer chains of PAM bridge these micro-flocs, binding them together to form larger, visible flocs. This process is known as flocculation.

The effectiveness of PAM is amplified when used in conjunction with coagulants. Coagulants, such as inorganic salts like aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride, destabilize the particles first. PAM then acts as a bridging agent, binding these destabilized particles into larger, more settleable flocs. This combined action significantly speeds up the separation of solids from the water.

The uses of polyacrylamide in water treatment are vast. In sedimentation processes, larger flocs settle faster under gravity. In flotation, flocs attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface for removal. For sludge dewatering, PAM helps bind water within the flocs, making it easier for mechanical dewatering equipment to extract the water. The specific type of PAM—cationic, anionic, non-ionic, or amphoteric—is selected based on the charge of the suspended particles and the nature of the wastewater.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides high-quality polyacrylamide products backed by a deep understanding of their application. By understanding how PAM works – through charge neutralization, adsorption, and bridging – industries can effectively leverage these polymers to achieve cleaner water, improve process efficiency, and meet environmental standards. This scientific foundation ensures that PAM remains a cornerstone of modern water purification techniques.