Eliminates the use of oil and surfactants in water treatment. Polyacrylamides are used in water treatment and food production. In water treatment, polyacrylamides facilitate the removal of compounds in suspension and the segregation of the mixture. The production of these polymers generates large volumes of organic and surfactant waste (90 million pounds annually) due to the use of oils and surfactants. Nalco developed a new synthetic methodology that eliminates the need for oil and surfactants in water treatment. This technology incorporates the ammonium sulfate waste from the production of caprolactam. The final product reduces VOC emissions and has low chemical and biological oxygen demand.
EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge: 2009 Greener Reaction Conditions Award
