What are the types of Cationic Polyacrylamide?
2026-04-14 10:33:18
Cationic Polyacrylamide (CPAM) is classified mainly by ionicity (cationic degree), molecular weight, physical form, and synthesis monomer. These types determine its performance in sludge dewatering, wastewater treatment, and other applications.
1. By Ionic Degree (Most Important Classification)
Ionic degree refers to the percentage of cationic monomer in the polymer, usually 5% to 80%.
Low ionic degree: 5% – 20%
Suitable for mildly organic sludge, some industrial wastewater with low organic content, and paper retention systems.
Medium ionic degree: 20% – 40%
The most widely used type, ideal for municipal sewage sludge, food processing wastewater, and general industrial sludge dewatering.
High ionic degree: 40% – 60%+
For highly organic sludge, such as pharmaceutical, fermentation, oily sludge, and sludge with high colloid content.
2. By Molecular Weight
Low molecular weight: 3 – 6 million
Mainly used as dispersant, retention aid, and in some low-viscosity systems.
Medium molecular weight: 6 – 10 million
General-purpose for wastewater clarification and mild sludge conditioning.
High molecular weight: 10 – 15 million
Most common for sludge dewatering, providing strong floc bridging and good shear resistance.
3. By Physical Appearance
Powder / Granular CPAM
Most common in international trade, easy to transport and store, 25kg bags.
Emulsion CPAM (Liquid)
Fast-dissolving, high activity, used in automatic dosing systems.
Colloidal / Gel CPAM
Low-dust, easy to dissolve, used in small-scale treatment systems.
4. By Cationic Monomer Type
DADMAC type CPAM
Good stability, low cost, widely used for municipal sludge.
DAC / DMC type CPAM
High charge intensity, better performance in high-organic and high-temperature conditions.
Mannich modified CPAM
Chemically modified non-ionic PAM, used in special papermaking and water treatment.
References
GB/T 7714
Zhang L, Wang Y, Chen J. Classification and application selection of cationic polyacrylamide flocculants[J]. Industrial Water Treatment, 2021, 41(3): 1–6.
MLA
Zhang, L., Y. Wang, and J. Chen. "Classification and Application Selection of Cationic Polyacrylamide Flocculants." Industrial Water Treatment, vol. 41, no. 3, 2021, pp. 1–6.
APA
Zhang, L., Wang, Y., & Chen, J. (2021). Classification and application selection of cationic polyacrylamide flocculants. Industrial Water Treatment, 41(3), 1–6.
