polyakrylamidi

Polyacrylamide, commonly abbreviated PAM, is a synthetic polymer produced by the polymerization of acrylamide monomers. It can be synthesized as a homopolymer or as copolymers with various co-monomers to yield nonionic, anionic, or cationic forms. The resulting polymers are typically high in molecular weight and water soluble, forming viscous solutions or gels depending on concentration and ionic strength.

Polyacrylamide has a wide range of applications. In water and wastewater treatment, it is used as a flocculant or as a coagulant aid to promote aggregation of fine particles and improve clarification. In environmental and civil engineering, PAM helps improve soil stability and reduce erosion when applied to soil surfaces. In the oil and gas industry, PAM-based polymers increase the viscosity of fracturing fluids and assist in controlled fluid flow. In molecular biology and biochemistry, polyacrylamide gels are widely used for electrophoretic separation of proteins and nucleic acids, and hydrogel forms of polyacrylamide are used in various biomedical research contexts.

Safety and environmental considerations are important. The polymerization process can leave residual acrylamide monomer, which is a neurotoxin and potential carcinogen; manufacturers take steps to minimize residual monomer. While PAM polymers themselves are generally considered to have low toxicity, their environmental impact depends on charge, molecular weight, and degradability; runoff containing PAM can affect aquatic organisms under certain exposures. In many jurisdictions, limits are imposed on residual acrylamide in PAM products used for drinking water treatment and food-related applications.