Inverse emulsion, difficulties

In order to overcome the difficulties associated with inverse emulsion and dry polymers, Nalco has become involved in the development and commercial practice of a unique technology for the manufacture of high molecular weight water soluble polymers based on acrylamide. This polymerization process permits the manufacture of these extremely useful polymers as water continuous dispersions. The polymer products are liquid, and so retain the virtues of ease and safety of handling, but they are manufactured in water instead of in a hydrocarbon and surfactant matrix. Thus, no oil or surfactants are released to the environment with the application of these polymers. The performance of these polymers in the various end use applications is equivalent to, or in some cases exceeds, that obtained with similar polymers produced in inverse emulsion or dry form. A discussion of this dispersion polymerization technology, the monomers and their polymers, the stabilizer polymers, particle characteristics, viscosity considerations and the thermodynamic and physical stability of the products constitutes the subject of this manuscript. 

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