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Polyacrylamide, often abbreviated as PAM, is a synthetic polymer formed from acrylamide monomers. It is a water-soluble macromolecule that exists as a linear chain. Its solubility in water is due to the polar amide groups along the polymer backbone, which can readily form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The molecular weight of polyacrylamide can vary significantly, from a few thousand to several million grams per mole, influencing its physical properties and applications.

The primary applications of polyacrylamide stem from its ability to modify the viscosity of water and its flocculating properties. In water treatment, it acts as a flocculant, binding small suspended particles together to form larger flocs that can be easily removed by sedimentation or filtration. This process is crucial for purifying drinking water and treating wastewater. In the oil and gas industry, polyacrylamide is used to enhance oil recovery by increasing the viscosity of injected water, forcing more oil towards production wells.

Polyacrylamide also finds use in other sectors. In agriculture, it can improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and enhance water retention. In the paper industry, it is employed as a retention aid and drainage enhancer. Due to the potential toxicity of its monomer, acrylamide, significant care is taken in the production and handling of polyacrylamide to ensure that residual monomer levels are minimized, particularly in applications involving human contact or consumption. Various modifications of the polyacrylamide chain, such as partial hydrolysis, lead to charged variants like anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), which have specialized uses depending on the charge characteristics required.