Investigation of the degradation and stability of acrylamide-based polymers in acid solution: Functional monomer modified polyacrylamide

Abstract Acrylamide copolymers are often used as acidizing diverting and thickening agents for their advantageous thickening, flocculation, adhesion and resistance reduction properties. Experimental results indicate that the acid concentration greatly affects the properties of acrylamide polymers, which varies from results reported by other researchers. Considering the theoretical and field application value of the present study, four comparable acrylamide-based polymers were synthesized, and their macro- and micro-changes as well as the related changes in viscosity and molecular weight were studied in high-concentration hydrochloric acid. A proposed mechanism of acrylamide copolymer stability and degradation is provided, and further suggestions are made for the modification of acrylamide copolymers.