A study on P(AM-DMDA) hydrophobically associating water-soluble copolymer

P(AM-DMDA) hydrophobically associating water-soluble copolymers were synthesized in aqueous solution by radical copolymerization. Effects of polymer concentration, electrolytes, temperature, shear rate and surfactant on rheological behavior of the copolymers are reported in detail. The results show that the viscosity enhancement above a critical concentration (C∗) is mainly due to the intermolecular association in aqueous solution. The copolymers have excellent viscosity retention in brine solution, and exhibit unique rheological behavior. In dilute regime, the ionic groups and hydrophobic groups contained in the copolymers have a great influence on their conformation.