Solid-liquid separations with a temperature-responsive polymeric flocculant: Effect of temperature and molecular weight on polymer adsorption and deposition

PNIPAM adsorbs as individual molecules at 25 °C. Upon heating to 50 °C, phase separation and additional polymer deposition causes aggregation. PNIPAM molecules added at 50 °C self-associate before they can deposit onto the surface, resulting in little aggregation.