The monomer readily polymerizes at the melting point or under ultraviolet light. Solid acrylamide is stable at room temperature but may polymerize violently when melted or in contact with oxidizing agents. These high-molecular weight polymers can be modified to develop nonionic, anionic, or cationic properties for specific uses. The polymer is also used to remove suspended solids from industrial waste water before discharge, reuse, or disposal. Ten to thirty percent of the annual production volume is used in oil-recovery processes in which the polyacrylamides increase water viscosity.
Acrylamides also find use in oil-drilling processes to control fluid losses.
In the pulp and paper industry, polyacrylamides are used as binders and retention aids for fibers and to retain pigments on paper fibers. Polyacrylamides are used to clarify waste water, recover tailings, and flocculate ores in mineral processing. They are incorporated in cement to slow the dehydration process to improve structural strength. Methylated polyacrylamide with subsequent radiation curing is used to produce waterproof concrete. Acrylamide is a soil stabilizer and also finds use in foundry operations to facilitate free sand flow into molds.