What is anionic polymers?

Anionic polymers are polymers that contain negatively charged ions or functional groups in their structure. These polymers have a net negative charge and are commonly used in various applications, including wastewater treatment, oil recovery, and papermaking.

Anionic polymers are usually made from monomers containing functional groups such as carboxylate, sulfate, or phosphate groups. These functional groups provide the negative charge to the polymer chain, allowing it to bind with cations in solution.

One of the main uses of anionic polymers is in wastewater treatment. They are added to wastewater to flocculate the suspended particles, making it easier to remove them from the water. Anionic polymers are also used in oil recovery, where they help to increase the viscosity of the oil and improve its flow rate.

In papermaking, anionic polymers are used as wet-strength agents to increase the strength of the paper and prevent it from breaking down when it comes into contact with water.

Overall, anionic polymers have a wide range of applications due to their negative charge and ability to interact with cations in solution.