Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
Synergistic effect of polycation and polyanion on silica polymerization
Bingru Zhang1, Shaohua Xin, Yuning Chen
1State Key Lab of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Rd., Shanghai 200092, China. bingru@tongji.edu.cn
Abstract:
Colloidal silica (SiO(2)) is perhaps the most undesirable inorganic deposit formed in industrial water treatment systems. SiO(2) can either be found in bulk or on surfaces, such as heat exchangers, pipelines, or membrane. Conventional mineral scale inhibitors cannot inhibit its formation. Chemical cleaning is difficult and not free from hazards. This paper reports the excellent inhibition efficiency of adipic acid/amine-terminated polyethers D230/diethylenetriamine copolymer (AA/AT/DE). However, a small amount of silica-AA/AT/DE white insoluble floc appears in the solution. To overcome this problem, polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) is introduced. PESA by itself cannot inhibit silica polymerization. However, the combination of PESA and AA/AT/DE cannot only prevent the white floc, but also improve the inhibition performance of AA/AT/DE. The underlying mechanism is investigated based on zeta potentials and atomic force microscopy topography.
Related Concept Videos
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Polymers
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

