Polyacrylamide (abbreviated as PAM or pAAM) is a polymer with the formula (-CH2CHCONH2-). It has a linear-chain structure. PAM is highly water-absorbent, forming a soft gel when hydrated. In 2008, an estimated 750,000,000 kg were produced, mainly for water treatment and the paper and mineral industries. Chemical formula(C₃H₅NO)ₙCAS Number9003-05-8Watch full videoPhysicochemical propertiesPolyacrylamide is a. It can be viewed as with amide substituents on alternating carbons. Unlike various, polyacrylamide is not a because the amide groups are not in the p. In the 1970s and 1980s, the proportionately largest use of these polymers was in water treatment. The next major application by weight is additives for processing and. About 30% of polyacrylamide is used in t. Considering the volume of polyacrylamide produced, these materials have been heavily scrutinized with regards to environmental and health impacts. Polyacrylamide is of low toxicity but its precursor a.