An Environmentally Friendly Inverse Microemulsion Method to Synthesize Polyacrylamide

Abstract

Polyacrylamide (PAM) was prepared by a new method of inverse microemulsion polymerization, with (NH4)2S2O8-Na2SO3 as initiator and liquid paraffin/Span80-Op10/AM-H2O-NaAc as polymerization system in this paper. The effects of initiator dosage, emulsifier dosage, monomer concentration, oil–water ratio, and temperature on molecular weight, electrical conductivity, particle size distribution, and monomer conversion were studied as well. The results indicate that that the more stable Polyacrylamide (PAM) polymer was prepared under the conditions of initiator dosage of 0.4~0.5%, emulsifier dosage of 55~60%, temperature of 40~45 °C, hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) value of 8.0~8.2, and NaAc concentration of 3%.

CO2-responsive gels

“…This is a two-step process involving an initial polymerisation/cross-linking of monomers within aqueous droplets in an oil or brine phase followed by reaction of the individual emulsion droplets with one another, resulting in the gelation of each droplet to form microgels. [175][176][177][178] Microgels prepared by this approach typically possess small particle sizes in a narrow particle size distribution.…”

Realizing the Efficient Dissolution of Drag Reducer upon pH-Induced Demulsification of Inverse Polymer Emulsion

“…Polyacrylamide emulsions have greater potential in terms of energy saving and environmental protection, use effect, and applicability. 9,10 In contrast to conventional hydraulic fracturing techniques, slick-water fracturing systems allow for more efficient flow conductivity and lower losses. 11,12 Drag reducers (DRs) are not only important polymer additives in slick-water fracturing systems but also reduce frictional energy losses within the pipe and fractures during high-volume and high-displacement fracturing, thereby effectively transporting proppant to the formation.…”

“…Compared with other polymerization methods, it has the advantages of less side reaction, controllable polymerization rate, and easy heat dissipation. − Taking the research of water-soluble polymers such as polyacrylamide and its derivatives as a starting point, reversed-phase emulsion polymerization has been rapidly developed. Polyacrylamide emulsions have greater potential in terms of energy saving and environmental protection, use effect, and applicability. , …”