Grafting polyelectrolytes onto polyacrylamide for flocculation 2. Model suspension flocculation and sludge dewatering

Low-molecular-weight high-charge-density cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC) was grafted onto high-molecular-weight nonionic polyacrylamide (PAM) via a free radical mechanism using a gamma radiation technique. The graft copolymers having various charge densities were evaluated as flocculants for titanium dioxide (TiO₂) model suspensions, and as conditioners for a pulp and paper mill sludge. Their flocculation performance was optimized with respect to polymer composition, gamma irradiation time and polymer dosage. Measurements included turbidity, particle size distribution and drainage rates. The graft copolymers showed a significant improvement over the homopolymers and dual polymer systems in their flocculation and sludge dewatering performance. Received: 6 April 1998 Accepted in revised form: 28 August 1998