Preparation of Thermosetting Acrylamide Resin

Paraformaldehyde is normally used as the source of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde pre-dissolved in butanol (or other alcohol) may also be used. This solution (which is commercially available in the UK and Europe) is a source of both formaldehyde, for the methylolation, and alcohol for the following etherification reaction. 

Acrylamide, incorporated into the polymer backbone reacts with formaldehyde to form methylol acrylamide. 

The methylol groups are capable of self-condensation during the manufacturing process leading to premature branching and cross linking (see section of the book dealing with the chemistry of acrylic monomers). 

In the presence of alcohol the self condensation reaction between the methylol groups is suppressed in favour of an etherification reaction the methylol group and the alcohol. 

The etherified methylol groups will not readily undergo further condensation under the conditions pertaining during the manufacturing process. 

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