| abstract |
Improved process for the preparation of water-soluble, substantially linear, high molecular weight polymers, comprising irradiating an aqueous solution of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a water-soluble salt under controlled conditions of concentration, radiation intensity, conversion, and total radiation dose. The polymers may be obtained in aqueous gel form or recovered in the form of powder. The polymers are useful as flocculating, thickening, and mobility control agents. |