Degradation and Stabilization of Polyacrylamide

Abstract The thermooxidizing stability of aqueous solutions of polyacrylamide in the temperature range of from 20°C to 70°C in water with different degrees of mineralization containing H2S and Fe2+ is researched. The affect of some of the above-mentioned factors on the change in molecular weight and molecular weight distribution is studied. Some aspects of the mechanism of thermooxidative destruction of polyacrylamide are investigated. To stabilize aqueous polyacrylamide solutions a number of water-soluble antioxidants phenolic, aminophenolic and amine types, metal-deactivator, containing phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur, are studied. The optimal proportion of components and their total concentration in aqueous solutions is established for composite stabilizers. For aqueous polyacrylamide solutions, containing the most effective stabilizers, rheological characteristics and oil-driving ability are studied in an oil-stratum model. The applications of stabilizers considerably increases the resistance factor, residual resistance factor and oil-driving ability of polyacrylamide solutions.