- Chemical Nature and Molecular Characteristics
Chemical identity
Polyamine, also known as dimethylamine–epichlorohydrin–ethylenediamine copolymer (EPI DMA polymer), is a cationic water soluble polymeric material. It is formed by the reaction of dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and ethylenediamine, resulting in a backbone that carries cationic (positively charged) amine groups. Common synonyms include Ultrafloc 5100, Magnafloc 1607, Busan 1157, Poly quaternary ammonia salt, and EPI DMA Polyamine
Molecular formula and weight
Sources report a representative molecular formula of C₇H₂₀ClN₃O and a molecular weight around 197.7 g/mol, typical for the simplest repeating unit
Physical appearance and solubility
At practical concentrations (commercial products typically ~50 wt % aqueous solution), the product appears as a light yellow to almost colorless viscous liquid. It is highly water soluble, with adjustable viscosity depending on molecular weight and formulation
Charge and pH behavior
The polymer carries a significant cationic charge density, enabling strong electrostatic interactions with negatively charged particles or surfaces. Aqueous solutions typically have an acidic to neutral pH in the range 4 – 7 (some say up to 8).
Viscosity and viscosity control
Viscosity can range from tens to many thousands of centipoise depending on molecular weight and solid content. For example, products are specified across viscosity bands: 50–200, 200–500, 600–1000, up to 10,000 cP at 25 °C. Manufacturers can tailor viscosity and molecular weight per application.
Stability and storage
Typical formulations remain stable for 2 years when stored sealed in a cool, dry environment. Flash point is generally above 93 °C, and it is non flammable, non explosive, and considered of low hazard under normal handling.
- Production Process
The manufacturing of Polyamine is typically a step growth polycondensation or copolymerization process: epichlorohydrin reacts with dimethylamine and ethylenediamine under controlled conditions. - Pre reaction: Dimethylamine and epichlorohydrin form a reactive intermediate containing a chloromethyl group and tertiary amine functionality.
- Chain extension: Ethylenediamine acts as a chain extender and crosslinker, incorporating additional amine functionalities.
- Control of molecular weight & viscosity: By adjusting monomer ratios, reaction temperature, pH, and reaction time, manufacturers tune properties (e.g., viscosity bands from low to high)
- Neutralization and quenching: Reaction mixtures are neutralized to pH 4–7, then diluted or concentrated to target solid content (e.g. 50 %) and viscosity.
- Quality control: Product is checked for viscosity, pH, solid content, color, stability; sealed into drums or IBCs
While detailed proprietary recipes and catalysts are guarded, standard industrial processes follow this generic pathway.
- Applications
3.1. Water Treatment (Flocculation, Coagulation, Demulsification)
The primary and best documented application of Polyamine is in water and wastewater treatment, particularly as a flocculant, coagulant aid, sludge conditioner, or demulsifier.
• Its cationic nature allows effective charge neutralization of negatively charged colloidal particles, promoting aggregation and floc formation.
• It can be used alone (diluted to 0.05–0.5 % solids) or in combination with inorganic coagulants like polyaluminium chloride (PAC) or alum to enhance removal of low turbidity water or improve settling efficiency.
• In specific equipment processes—belt filter, centrifuge, screw press, dissolved air flotation—the polymer aids dewatering, filtration, clarification, and demulsification of oil water emulsions.
• It excels in removing suspended solids (SS), reducing turbidity, and improving effluent quality.
• Often marketed for: industrial wastewater, municipal water treatment, oilfield wastewater, textile dye effluent, mining (coal, gold), sugar/juice clarification, and more.
Practical usage
Typically dosed continuously post dilution. Optimal dosage depends on turbidity and water chemistry, requiring jar testing to minimize cost and maximize efficienc.
3.2. Oil field Drilling / Petroleum Applications
In oilfield operations, Polyamine can:
• Act as a mud stabilizer, helping to flocculate solids and streamline drilling fluid management.
• Function as demulsifier to separate oil/water mixtures in produced water streams.
3.3. Papermaking
The polymer is used in papermaking:
• As an anionic trash catcher in the white water (recycle) system: it aggregates fine anionic contaminants, improving retention and reducing processing losses.
• As a strengthening agent: the cationic polymer bonds with negatively charged cellulose fibers, increasing dry and wet tensile strength of the sheet (reinforcing effect).
• As a sizing accelerator with AKD (alkyl ketene dimer) sizing agents, enhancing water resistance of paper.
3.4. Personal Care: Antistatic and Softening Agents
While my search did not return explicit authoritative citations regarding personal care usage (e.g., in shampoos/conditioners as antistatic or softener), similar cationic polymers are widely used for these purposes in the cosmetics industry. Given Polyamine’s high cationic charge and water solubility, it is plausible it may function similarly—binding to hair fibers to reduce static and enhance softness. If you plan to include this application area, it is advisable to reference technical data sheets or patent literature specific to personal care formulations.
- Summary
Below is a structured overview:
Aspect Description
Chemical Composition Copolymer of dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and ethylenediamine (EPI DMA). CAS 42751 79 1.
Physical Properties Light yellow viscous liquid, ~50 % solids, water soluble, cationic. pH 4 7, viscosity ranges 50–10,000+ cP.
Production Process Polycondensation/copolymerization, controlling monomer ratio, molecular weight, viscosity; neutralization; QC.
Water Treatment Flocculant, coagulant aid, sludge conditioner, demulsifier; used alone or with inorganic coagulants.
Oil & Drilling Mud stabilizer, demulsifier, solids control in drilling and produced water treatment.
Papermaking Anionic trash capture, retention, sheet strengthening, sizing accelerator.
Personal Care Potential antistatic and softening agent, subject to further formulation specific validation.
Handling & Storage Stable for ~2 years; non flammable, low hazard; stored in cool, sealed containers.