The accelerated degradation of aqueous polyacrylamide at low temperature

The accelerated degradation of aqueous polyacrylamide at low temperature was studied. The selected degradation agents included several peroxides, such as potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the potassium persulfate–sodium thiosulfate (K2S2O8–Na2S2O3) redox system. The redox system showed the highest degradation rate at the first 2 hours, but its final degradation level was lower than that of potassium persulfate. The degradation temperature, concentration of potassium persulfate and polyacrylamide, and original molecular weight of polyacrylamide all affected the degradation rate and final degradation level. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 791–797, 1998