Imidization during polymerization of acrylamide

Abstract

Abstract The spontaneous imidization of acrylamide during polymerization has been studied in three media: benzene, diglyme, and water. The data indicate that neither medium, time, nor temperatures below 140°C cause imidization to occur. The ascription of the low nitrogen found in polyacrylamide by some investigators to imide formation appears to be in error. The low nitrogen is due rather to retained solvent and/or water, for which polyacrylamide has a strong affinity. Imidization may be brought about by strong acids. The solubility of an imidized polyacrylamide decreases with increasing imide content.