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, giving a backbone that carries cationic (positively charged) amine groups. Common trade synonyms include Ultrafloc 5100, Magnafloc 1607, Busan 1157, poly quaternary ammonia salt, and EPI-DMA Polyamine.
Molecular Formula and Weight
A representative molecular formula is C7H20ClN3O with a molecular weight around 197.7 g/mol, corresponding to the simplest repeating unit.
Physical Appearance and Solubility
At practical concentrations (commercial products are typically about 50 wt% aqueous solution), Polyamine 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 interaction with negatively charged particles and surfaces. Aqueous solutions typically have an acidic to neutral pH in the range 4 to 7.
Viscosity and Viscosity Control
Viscosity can range from tens to many thousands of centipoise depending on molecular weight and solids content. Products are commonly specified in viscosity bands such as 50 to 200, 200 to 500, and 600 to 1000 cP, up to about 10,000 cP at 25 C. Manufacturers can tailor viscosity and molecular weight to the application.
Stability and Storage
Typical formulations remain stable for about two years when stored sealed in a cool, dry environment. The flash point is generally above 93 C, and the product 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 in which 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.
- Molecular-weight and viscosity control. By adjusting monomer ratios, reaction temperature, pH, and reaction time, manufacturers tune properties such as the viscosity band.
- Neutralization and quenching. The reaction mixture is neutralized to pH 4 to 7, then diluted or concentrated to the target solids content (for example 50%) and viscosity.
- Quality control. The product is checked for viscosity, pH, solids content, color, and stability, then sealed into drums or IBCs.
Detailed proprietary recipes and catalysts are guarded, but standard industrial processes follow this generic pathway.
Applications
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 to 0.5% solids) or in combination with inorganic coagulants such as polyaluminium chloride (PAC) or alum to enhance removal of low-turbidity water or improve settling efficiency. In equipment such as belt filters, centrifuges, screw presses, and dissolved air flotation units, the polymer aids dewatering, filtration, clarification, and demulsification of oil-water emulsions. It excels in removing suspended solids and reducing turbidity.
Typical markets include industrial wastewater, municipal water treatment, oilfield wastewater, textile dye effluent, mining (coal, gold), and sugar and juice clarification. Dosing is typically continuous after dilution; the optimal dosage depends on turbidity and water chemistry and requires jar testing to minimize cost and maximize efficiency.
Oilfield and Petroleum Applications
In oilfield operations, Polyamine can act as a mud stabilizer that helps flocculate solids and streamline drilling-fluid management, and as a demulsifier to separate oil and water in produced-water streams.
Papermaking
In papermaking the polymer is used as an anionic trash catcher in the white-water (recycle) system, where it aggregates fine anionic contaminants, improving retention and reducing processing losses. It also acts as a strengthening agent, bonding with negatively charged cellulose fibers to increase dry and wet tensile strength, and as a sizing accelerator with AKD sizing agents to enhance water resistance.
Personal Care: Antistatic and Softening Agents
Cationic water-soluble polymers of this type are used in the cosmetics industry as antistatic and softening agents in hair-care and skin-care formulations. Polyamine’s high cationic charge and water solubility make it suitable for binding to hair fibers to reduce static and enhance softness; suppliers should confirm the specific formulation and regulatory status before use.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Copolymer of dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and ethylenediamine (EPI-DMA), CAS 42751-79-1 |
| Physical properties | Light-yellow viscous liquid, about 50% solids, water soluble, cationic; pH 4 to 7; viscosity 50 to 10,000+ cP |
| Production | Polycondensation/copolymerization with control of monomer ratio, molecular weight and 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 |
| Handling and storage | Stable about two years; non-flammable, low hazard; store cool and sealed |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polyamine (EPI-DMA)?
Polyamine (CAS 42751-79-1) is a cationic water-soluble polymer, chemically a dimethylamine–epichlorohydrin–ethylenediamine copolymer (EPI-DMA). It is widely used as a coagulant and flocculant in water and wastewater treatment.
What is the difference between Polyamine and PolyDADMAC?
Both are cationic organic coagulants. Polyamine is typically a lower-molecular-weight, high-charge coagulant used where charge neutralization dominates, while PolyDADMAC is a high-charge polymer that also bridges flocs. The best choice depends on the water and is set by jar testing.
How is Polyamine supplied?
As a light-yellow to nearly colorless viscous aqueous solution, commonly about 50% solids, in drums and IBCs, in viscosity grades from about 50 to over 10,000 cP.
What dosage of Polyamine is used?
Polyamine is usually diluted to about 0.05 to 0.5% solids and dosed continuously. The optimal dosage depends on turbidity and water chemistry and should be determined by jar testing.
Where can I buy Polyamine?
PolyBlueChem supplies Polyamine (CAS 42751-79-1) with COA and MSDS. See the Polyamine buying guide, or contact our team for specifications and a quotation.
PolyBlueChem, as the chemical supplier of all categories, is the supplier of Polyamine (CAS 42751-79-1) as well. Contact our team for specifications, packaging and a quotation.