Polyelectrolyte

Name:
Polyelectrolyte
Detailed information:
A high-polymer substance, either natural (protein, gum arabic) or synthetic (polyethyleneimine, polyacrylic acid salts), containing ionic constituents; may be either cationic or anionic. The former type is widely used for industrial applications. Water solutions of both types are electrically conducting; some are effective in concentrations as low as 1 ppm. In a given polyelectrolyte, ions of one sign are attached to the polymer chain, while those of opposite sign are free to diffuse into the solution. Major uses are flocculation of solids (especially dissolved phosphates) in potable water, dispersion of clays in oil-well drilling muds, soil conditioning, antistatic agents, and treatment of paper-mill wastewater. Ion-exchange resins are cross-linked (stabilized) polyelectrolytes.See Flocculant; “Purifloc” [Dow]; “Cat-Floc” [Nalco].