Amphoteric polyacrylamide also called zwitterionic polyacrylamide or dipolar ionic polyacrylamide. The molecular chain of the amphoteric flocculant has two or more functional groups, of which have at least one anionic charge and one cationic charge. Unlike other mono-ionic polyacrylamides that only form either a cationic or anionic charges, the amphoteric polyacrylamide simultaneously have both ionic states.
Amphoteric polyacrylamide is copolymerized by acrylic cationic monomer and acrylamide monomer. The anionic charge forms after the hydratization of the acrylamide monomer, and the cationic charge forms from the acrylic monomer. Thus, the amphoteric polyacrylamide has both positive and negative charges on its molecular chain.
Main applications of Amphoteric Flocculants