R. Hecker et al., THE AGGLOMERATION OF HIGH-MOLECULAR-MASS POLYACRYLAMIDE IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS, Journal of applied polymer science, 70(11), 1998, pp. 2241-2250
Size distribution information was used to monitor time-dependent agglo
meration in aqueous solutions of a high molecular mass polyacrylamide.
Although the individual polymer molecules had diameters in the order
of 0.4 mu m, a high number of agglomerates were seen that may contain
four to six polymer chains. As the solution age increased, a significa
nt level of larger microgels (2-15 mu M) were also detected. The addit
ion of salts or organic cosolvents modified the solvation properties,
altering the extent and rate of agglomeration. The presence of 2%-v/v
formamide had a significant effect, substantially reducing agglomerati
on and increasing solution stability. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.