How are polyacrylamides synthesized?

Abstract: Polyacrylamides of varying molecular weights (very low, low, medium, high and very high) were synthesized using free radical polymerization and characterized by Infra Red (IR) spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, glass transition temperature (Tg) measurement and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).

How to determine the viscosity average molecular weight of polyacrylamide samples?

Dilute solution viscosity method was used to determine the viscosity average molecular weight of the polyacrylamide samples by determining their intrinsic viscosities. Test sample was prepared by dissolving 0.5g of polyacrylamide in 100 ml distilled water at room temperature using magnetic stirrer.

How does polyacrylamide concentration affect viscosity?

It was found that by increasing the polyacrylamide concentrations from 1×10-3 to 5×10-3g/ml the efflux time increased. As a result, the relative viscosity increased with an increase in the polyacrylamide concentration. Other viscosities namely specific and reduced viscosities also increased with an increase in the polyacrylamide concentration.

Is the intrinsic viscosity inversely proportional to the concentration of polyacrylamide?

On the other hand, the inherent viscosity was inversely proportional to the increase in polyacrylamide concentration. The intrinsic viscosity [η], which is defined as the intercept on the abscissa at zero concentration, was determined by plotting the reduced viscosity of the solution of different concentrations of polyacrylamide solutions.

What is low molecular weight polyacrylamide?

Low molecular weight polyacrylamide was synthesized using hydrogen peroxide as initiator and the reaction was carried out at high temperature (90oC) to give polyacrylamide free of contaminates detected by FTIR spectroscopy. The product was a low viscosity white colour liquid.

Can polyacrylamide be hydrolyzed at room temperature?

Polyacrylamide at room temperature is resistant to the effects of the aqueous medium, and only at elevated temperatures (more than 93 °C), hydrolysis is possible.