Degradation of polyacrylamide in aqueous solution induced by chemically generated hydroxyl radicals: Part I—Fenton's reagent

Hydroxyl radicals generated by the reaction of Fe2+ with H2O2 (Fenton's reagent) have been shown to attack polyacrylamide molecules in aqueous solution. In the presence of dissolved oxygen this can result in chain scission with a consequential decrease in solution viscosity. In the absence of oxygen, chain scission does not occur. The mechanisms of the oxygen-free and aerated reaction are discussed.