Synthesis of a novel comb micro-block hydrophobically associating copolymer for Ca2+/Mg2+ resistance

Abstract

A comb micro-block hydrophobically associating copolymer (CBHAP), which can withstand divalent cations in harsh conditions, was successfully synthesized in this work. CBHAP showed salt-thickening and shear-thickening properties. Moreover, it showed superior tolerance to elevated concentrations of Ca²⁺ (10000 mg L⁻¹) and Mg²⁺ (2500 mg L⁻¹), and hence significantly outperformed commonly used salt-resistant polymers.