Polyacrylamider

Polyacrylamider is a synthetic polymer derived from the monomer N‑acrylamide. The polymer consists of repeating units of acryloyl amide linked by carbon–carbon bonds, forming long chains that can be linear or cross‑linked depending on the synthesis conditions. The most common route to produce polyacrylamider is free‑radical polymerization initiated by thermal or redox initiators such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or ammonium persulfate in aqueous or organic media. Crosslinking agents such as methylenebisacrylamide, divinylbenzene or glycidol can be introduced to yield three‑dimensional networks that provide water‑bound rigid gels.

The polymer is amphiphilic, with amide groups capable of hydrogen bonding and a backbone that is relatively flexible. Polyacrylamider exhibits high water absorption, forming “superabsorbent” hydrogels at low polymer content. It is soluble in hot water and many organic solvents, and insoluble in cold water when cross‑linked. Thermal stability is modest, with degradation beginning around 200 °C, but the polymer is chemically stable under neutral to slightly basic conditions.

Applications of polyacrylamider are broad. In the water‑purification industry it serves as a flocculant for sediment removal and as a clarifier in wastewater treatment. In agriculture it is used as a soil conditioner to improve water retention and reduce erosion. The polymer is also employed in the paper and textile sectors to aid in the wet‐strengthing of fibers, as well as in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals where it functions as a thickening agent or drug carrier. Environmental concerns arise from its persistence; polyacrylamider is resistant to biodegradation and can accumulate in aquatic systems, prompting research into enzymatic breakdown and the development of more eco‑friendly alternatives.