Polyacrylamide (PAM) is used commercially for acrylamide homopolymer and several anionic or cationic acrylamide copolymers. The tables below distinguish polymer identity, physical properties, solution behaviour and handling requirements for water-soluble treatment grades. Published reference values and explicitly labelled purchase or test examples are not a single ChinaPAM grade specification.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Poly(2-propenamide), or polyacrylamide, for the acrylamide homopolymer. Commercial PAM also includes ionic acrylamide copolymers. |
| CAS number | 9003-05-8: acrylamide homopolymer. Example copolymer: 25085-02-3, acrylamide–sodium acrylate. Use the exact grade SDS for anionic/cationic copolymers and formulated emulsions. |
| Molecular formula | (C₃H₅NO)ₙ for the homopolymer. Ionic copolymers contain additional repeat units; this formula alone does not describe their composition. |
| Repeating unit mass | 71.08 g/mol for the acrylamide homopolymer repeat unit; this is not the molecular mass of an entire commercial polymer chain. |
| Molecular weight | EN 1407:2023 describes typical relative molecular masses equivalent to about 1–20 million Da for its anionic/nonionic scope. A grade’s distribution and measurement method still matter. |
| HS classification | 3906.90 is a candidate heading for other acrylic polymers in primary forms. Confirm the current destination-specific subheading and whether the actual formulation belongs there; this is not a customs ruling or a tariff-rate guarantee. |
| Names used in purchasing | PAM; polymer flocculant; APAM (anionic), CPAM (cationic), NPAM (nonionic). PHPA means partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide. “Polyelectrolyte” describes charged polymers, not every nonionic PAM. |
Identity sources: homopolymer SDS, copolymer CAS identity and the EN 1407:2023 public preview. The CAS listing identifies chemistry; it does not approve an arbitrary formulated product for a use.
| Property | Powder / granule | Emulsion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White/off-white granules in the cited powder examples. | Record the actual grade colour and liquid appearance. | Emulsion colour is formulation specific; compare with the agreed product description. |
| Odour | Odourless in the cited nonionic laboratory SDS. | Carrier-dependent; use the formulation SDS. | An oil carrier is a different component from the PAM polymer. |
| Bulk density / liquid density | 0.5–0.9 g/cm³: EN 1407 reference for its APAM/NPAM solid-product scope. | An illustrative purchase band could be 1.02–1.08 g/cm³, only if agreed for a named grade and temperature. | Powder bulk density, polymer true density and emulsion liquid density are different measurements. The emulsion band here is an example order input, not a measured family range. |
| Particle size | Illustrative sieve requirement: ≥90% between 0.2 and 1.6 mm, only where specified in the order. | Not applicable as a dry-powder sieve specification. | A bead-size band such as 0.1–0.5 mm would be a separate agreed example. Record sieves, mass basis and the exact grade; neither band defines all PAM. |
| Active polymer | Approximately 90% in the cited manufacturer handbook comparison. | 25–50% in that comparison. | General reference values, not minimum guarantees. Total solids or nonvolatile residue must not be substituted for active polymer without a grade-specific definition. |
| Glass transition temperature | Use a measured DSC value for the exact chemistry, moisture content and method. | No single Tg assigned to the complete formulation. | A dry-polymer Tg is not a recommended make-up, storage or process-water temperature. |
| Thermal decomposition | Published dry-PAM/helium study: 220–340°C side-group changes; 340–440°C major backbone breakdown. | Evaluate the whole formulation, including its carrier. | These TGA observations are test-condition dependent, not universal safe operating limits. |
| Water solubility | Water-soluble treatment grades form viscous solutions when properly prepared. | Inverse emulsions require the grade’s inversion and dilution procedure. | EN 1407 notes very viscous/gel-like behaviour around 20 g/L and above in its scope. Crosslinked swellable gels are outside this soluble-treatment-grade description. |
| Other solvents | Confirm compatibility for the named grade and solvent; glycerol, ethylene glycol, formamide, ethanol and acetone are separate test cases. | Check carrier/solvent compatibility in the formulation SDS. | Do not infer polymer solubility from an oil-based emulsion carrier or assign one solvent-solubility list to all copolymers. |
| Moisture / caking control | Keep dry material tightly sealed and protected from moisture. | Keep in the original closed container under its grade storage conditions. | Inspect the package and material condition before preparation; follow its SDS. |
Sources: EN 1407 preview, Kemira Water Handbook and the dry-PAM thermal study. Example order inputs must be confirmed in the actual grade documents.
| Property | Anionic | Cationic | Nonionic |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH at the stated preparation concentration | A-110L reference example: 6–8 at 0.10%. | Use the exact CPAM grade measurement; no family-wide 3–6 range is assigned. | N-100S reference example: 5–7 at 0.10%. |
| Solution viscosity | A-110L reference example: 260 mPa·s at 0.1%, 25°C. | Measure the agreed grade under the stated method; no universal 30–200 mPa·s band is assigned. | N-100S reference example: 45 mPa·s at 0.1%, 25°C. |
| Salt sensitivity | For a relevant salt challenge, compare the DI-water result with 1.0% NaCl at the same polymer concentration and method. | Use the same paired test on the actual formulation. | Use the same paired test; nonionic does not justify assuming zero change. |
| pH sensitivity | An illustrative screening series may span pH 4–12; this is a trial design, not a guaranteed stability window. | Ester-linked CPAM can hydrolyse at elevated pH; stock-solution ageing and rapid application conditions differ. | An illustrative screening series may span pH 2–11; suitability must be demonstrated for the actual grade. |
| Prepared-solution ageing | Illustrative checks at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h; accept only against a defined viscosity/performance criterion. | Illustrative checks at 0 and 24 h, with additional times where required. | Illustrative checks at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h; use the same acceptance criterion. |
| Shear sensitivity | Compare viscosity retention and process performance before/after defined shear. | Use the same controlled-shear comparison. | Use the same controlled-shear comparison; ionicity alone does not establish a High/Moderate ranking. |
The A-110L and N-100S numbers are third-party MT AquaPolymer manufacturer reference values, not ChinaPAM test results or equivalent-grade claims. The manufacturer states distilled-water preparation and 25°C for viscosity, but does not state concentration mass/product-versus-active basis, instrument, spindle or speed. These data must not be relabelled as a verified Brookfield method or substituted for a matched acceptance test. Trial schedules in the other rows are illustrative; they do not promise a stability window or solution life.
| Item | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Manufacturer handbook comparison: dry polymers 24 months; emulsions 6–9 months. These are references, not the life of an arbitrary grade. Use the actual labelled storage temperature, expiry and freeze-protection requirements. |
| Packaging | Confirm the supplied format in the quotation. 25 kg PE-lined bags, bulk bags, drums and IBCs are example purchasing formats, not a statement that every grade is available in every pack. |
| Storage | Keep the specified container closed in a dry, ventilated place and observe its SDS, including incompatibility with strong oxidisers where stated. Confirm grade-specific temperature and exposure limits. |
| Spill control | Wet PAM can be very slippery. Isolate and contain the spill; collect material using the grade SDS procedure and prevent uncontrolled release to drains. Avoid uncontrolled wash-down. |
| GHS classification | Read the SDS for the exact product, formulation and market. The archived supplier SDSs do not give identical classifications; there is no single GHS classification for every PAM product. |
| Residual acrylamide | Specify the actual limit and test method for the intended use. A 0.025% purchase limit, if expressly adopted for an order, does not itself establish drinking-water or food-use approval. Acrylamide monomer (CAS 79-06-1) must be assessed separately from PAM. |
| PPE | Follow the SDS and workplace exposure assessment for eye, hand and respiratory protection, including dust control during powder handling. |
| Transport | Confirm the exact product’s transport section for the applicable mode and jurisdiction. A “not regulated” entry in one laboratory-grade SDS is not a declaration for all emulsions or formulations. |
| Environmental controls | Prevent uncontrolled discharge and use the exact grade’s aquatic-hazard information. Do not apply one low-mg/L toxicity threshold or a blanket “low toxicity” description to every ionic type. |
Thermal behaviour
Dry-polymer thermal data and aqueous process performance answer different questions. In a published helium-atmosphere TGA study, dried PAM underwent pendant-amide reactions at 220–340°C, while substantial backbone breakdown occurred at 340–440°C. Those observations do not establish a universal melting point, a safe emulsion temperature or a 50°C performance cutoff in process water. Qualify a hot-stream application using the exact grade, water chemistry, residence time and performance test.
Why viscosity is used as a quality measure
Viscosity is useful for grade consistency when concentration, polymer chemistry, make-up water, temperature and the measurement procedure are held constant. It is not a universal conversion to molecular weight or a direct proof of flocculation performance. Single-point solution viscosity and intrinsic viscosity are different measurements; specify the instrument, spindle/speed where applicable, solvent/salt recipe and preparation age. A 1 mol/L NaCl method is appropriate only where the named test method actually requires it; do not use it as the default for every PAM viscosity result.
Regulatory notes
Drinking-water suitability is product, use and jurisdiction specific. NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 certification evaluates the named product/formulation, manufacturing facility and maximum use level. EN 1407:2023 covers anionic and nonionic PAM within its stated human-consumption-water scope; its conformity alone does not establish national authorisation. Neither reference certifies every PAM grade, and no ChinaPAM certification is claimed by this reference table.
For US public water systems, 40 CFR 141.111 uses a combined dose-and-monomer treatment technique: acrylamide 0.05% dosed at 1 ppm (or equivalent), with the required certification. This is not a universal 0.025% drinking-water or food-grade specification. The actual product, permitted use and applicable dose must be checked together.
Under REACH, substances meeting the polymer definition are exempt from registration as polymers; monomer/other-substance duties and CLP requirements may still apply. Registration status does not replace the product SDS, the applicable residual-monomer evidence or an intended-use approval.
Cationic Brand Equivalents by Charge Level
Charge density and molecular weight help shortlist cationic grades; confirm form, preparation and performance through application testing. These pages walk through the FLOPAM FO family one grade at a time. Ask us to review the required grade identity, application and documentation before quotation.
Low charge
- FLOPAM FO 4115 family equivalent — low-charge cationic PAM
- FLOPAM FO 4190 VHM equivalent — low-charge cationic PAM
- FLOPAM FO 4240 equivalent — bare-grade cationic PAM
Medium charge
- FLOPAM FO 4358 SH equivalent — medium charge, high molecular weight
- FLOPAM FO 4400 equivalent — confirm SH or SSH before selection
- FLOPAM FO 4490 / SH / SHU / SSH equivalent — suffix-specific cationic PAM
- FLOPAM FO 4498 equivalent — medium charge, standard molecular weight
High charge
- FLOPAM FO 4698 equivalent — high-charge cationic PAM
- FLOPAM FO 4700 family equivalent — high-charge cationic PAM
- FLOPAM FO 4800 family equivalent — cationic PAM supply routes
Not sure which grade you need? Send us your current product name and application and we will suggest a screening route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAS number of polyacrylamide?
9003-05-8 identifies the acrylamide homopolymer. Copolymers can carry different identifiers, such as 25085-02-3 for acrylamide–sodium acrylate. Match the exact polymer and formulation to its SDS rather than treating the homopolymer number as the identity of every APAM or CPAM.
Is polyacrylamide soluble in water?
Water-soluble treatment grades dissolve to give viscous solutions when correctly prepared; an inverse emulsion also needs the prescribed inversion procedure. Crosslinked gels and other PAM forms are outside that generalisation. Confirm other-solvent compatibility for the exact chemistry and formulation rather than relying on one universal solvent list.
Is polyacrylamide hazardous?
Use the grade and market-specific SDS for classification, handling, transport and aquatic precautions. Acrylamide monomer (CAS 79-06-1) is chemically distinct from the polymer and has serious occupational health hazards, including effects on the nervous system and potential carcinogenicity. Residual-monomer control does not replace the complete formulation assessment.
Related
- PAM safety, SDS and handling
- Shelf life and storage
- Viscosity control
- Polyacrylamide products
- Certifications and compliance
- PAM specifications reference table
- PAM, PAC, alum and ferric comparison
- Flocculant selection chart
Data note: cited manufacturer values and standard-scope references describe their stated products and conditions. Purchase bands and trial schedules explicitly marked as examples are input assumptions, not measured results or universal acceptance limits. Use the current grade TDS, applicable SDS, agreed order requirements and relevant batch evidence for an actual purchase.