Solution viscosity and flocculation characteristics of linear polymeric flocculants in various media

▶ Rheological characterization of a new set of cationic copolymers of acrylamide (AM and Q9) differing in molar mass and ratio Q9/AM. ▶ Water characteristics have got a strong influence on the solution viscosity of the different polyelectrolytes (PEL). ▶ PEL behaviour in distilled water is compared with its behaviour in a highly cationic water from a paper mill. The influence of water quality on viscosity is dependent on the PEL characteristics (molar mass and charge density). ▶ Solution viscosity has been correlated with performance on flocculation of PCC particles used as filler in papermaking. ▶ The influence of water quality on solution viscosity could be correlated with differences detected on flocculation performance in the two media.