What are some of the more uncommon uses of polyacrylamide?
May 30, 2025The rare uses of acrylamide (PAM) are mainly concentrated in special applications in the sub-sectors. The following are the uncommon uses and corresponding scenarios sorted out from the comprehensive search results:
1. Cosmetic thickening and shaping
As an ingredient in cosmetics such as mascara and nail polish, polyacrylamide can increase the product viscosity and form a protective film, improving the shaping effect and anti-fouling properties. In addition, it is also used in skin care products to improve texture stability, such as viscosity adjustment of shampoo and conditioner.
2. Building material bonding and water retention
In the construction field, polyacrylamide is used as an adhesive to replace traditional animal glue for the bonding of labels and self-adhesives; it can also be used as a mortar water retainer and putty powder thickener to significantly improve the construction performance of building materials.
3. Dairy wastewater treatment
For high COD (chemical oxygen demand) wastewater in the dairy industry, polyacrylamide is used in combination with aluminum sulfate to stably remove 62%-72% of organic matter in the wastewater, solving the problem of treating high-protein and high-fat wastewater.
4. Metallurgical high-temperature equipment protection
In the metallurgical industry, polyacrylamide is used to manufacture high-temperature and corrosion-resistant smelting furnace and melting furnace equipment coatings to protect equipment from operating in extremely high temperature environments.
5. Food processing stabilizer
As a food additive, polyacrylamide can be used for beer clarification, juice stabilization and dairy product thickening to improve the shelf life and taste of the product.
6. Oilfield acidification thickener
In oil production, polyacrylamide is used as an acidification liquid thickener to slow down the reaction rate of the acid solution, expand the acidification range, and prevent oil well flooding and environmental pollution.
7. Electronic component protective coating
In the electronics industry, polyacrylamide is used as a circuit board coating material to resist damage to electronic components caused by high temperature, humidity and pressure, and extend the service life.