Composition of cationic polyacrylamide, cationic polymeric surfactant aggregate and glycerol-based surfactant and method of using same for flocculation

Abstract

There is provided a composition comprising a cationic block copolymer and a cationic polyacrylamide, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has a charge density of from 2% to 100%. In some embodiments, the cationic block copolymer is part of a cationic polymeric surfactant aggregate. The composition may be used to remove solids from a solid-liquid mixture. Methods may include adding a composition to a solid-liquid mixture, b) stirring the solid-liquid mixture with the composition, and c) removing solids from the stirred mixture. In some embodiments, a method may include: a) mixing a cationic polyacrylamide polymer with a cationic polymeric surfactant aggregate, thereby forming a conditioned flocculant; b) stirring the conditioned flocculant with the solid-liquid mixture, thereby forming a stirred mixture; and c) removing solids from the stirred mixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of polymer and surfactant chemistry, and more particularly to the use of polymers and surfactants for enhanced flocculation. Background Art

[0002] Flocculants based on polyacrylamide are commonly used for the aggregation of suspended solids in water treatment applications. The mechanism of action of these molecules is to "bridge" small particles in solution, promoting their aggregation into larger particles. The formation of larger particles improves solid-liquid separation in conventional sedimentation methods such as separation, flotation, and filtration. The attachment of polyacrylamide to particles may be due to electrostatic interactions, van der Waals interactions, or hydrogen bonding. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising:

[0004] a) a cationic block copolymer; and b) a cationic polyacrylamide having a charge density of 2% to 100%.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising a) SMA Quat ; and b) a cationic polyacrylamide having a charge density of 2% to 100%.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising a) a cationic polymer surfactant aggregate comprising a cationic block copolymer and at least one of the following: i) a nonionic surfactant; ii) a cationic surfactant; and iii) an amphoteric surfactant; and b) a cationic polyacrylamide having a charge density of 2% to 100%.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising a) a cationic polymer surfactant aggregate comprising SMA Quat and at least one of the following: i) a nonionic surfactant; ii) a cationic surfactant; and iii) an amphoteric surfactant; and b) a cationic polyacrylamide having a charge density of 2% to 100%.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided the composition described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer is part of a cationic polymer surfactant aggregate, and the polymer surfactant aggregate further comprises a stabilizing surfactant and a size-modifying surfactant.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the stabilizing surfactant and the size-modifying surfactant are each independently selected from at least one of the following: i) nonionic surfactants; ii) cationic surfactants; and iii) zwitterionic surfactants.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising cationic polymer surfactant aggregates and cationic polyacrylamide having a charge density of 2% to 100%.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polymer surfactant aggregates comprise a cationic block copolymer, a stabilizing surfactant, and a size-modifying surfactant.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer is selected from: styrene urethane block copolymers, limonene urethane block copolymers, limonene maleimide block copolymers, and styrene maleimide block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the stabilizing surfactant comprises at least one of the following: ethoxylated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, Tween TM 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), or 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , having the chemical formula:

[0014] where n = 4 - 5, 9, 10 or 30), or a mixture thereof.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the stabilizing surfactant comprises at least one of the following: ethoxylated amines, quaternary ammonium salts, Tween TM 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), Tween TM 40 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), Tween TM 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate), Tween TM 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), Tergitol TM15-S-20, Tergitol TM 15-S-40, or 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , having the chemical formula: where n = 4 - 5, n = 9, n = 10, n = 30), or a mixture thereof.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the stabilizing surfactant comprises at least one of the following: Tween TM 40 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), Tween TM 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate), Tween TM 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), Tergitol TM 15-S-20, Tergitol TM 15-S-40, or a mixture thereof.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the size-modifying surfactant is at least one selected from the following: alkyl polyglycosides, lipids, oils, polyglycerol 3-caprylate, nonionic surfactants, sugar-derived surfactants, glycidyl-derived surfactants, fatty alcohol-derived surfactants, nonionic surfactants, sugar polyoxyethylene combined surfactants, sugar ester surfactants, sulfonated sugar-based surfactants, aldosylamide-based surfactants, amidosugar-based surfactants, amino alcohol surfactants, amino acid-based surfactants, polyol surfactants, 1,2-diol surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 10% to 100%.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 2% - 19%, 20% - 40%, 60% - 79%, 80% - 100%, and combinations thereof.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the charge density range is 30%.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 40%.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the charge density ranges from 50%.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 80%.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the charge density ranges from 90%.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 5,000 Da.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 7,000 Da.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 27,000 Da.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 100,000 Da.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer comprises a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 3:1.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer comprises a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 2:1.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer comprises a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 1:1.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic block copolymer is an amphiphilic polymer.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has 2×10 6Da to 12×10 6 The molecular weight of Da.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has a molecular weight of 5×10 6 Da to 12×10 6 Da.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has a molecular weight of 5×10 6 Da to 8×10 6 Da.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 2%-19%, 20%-40%, 60%-79%, 80%-100% and combinations thereof.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM 835, CPAM 853, CPAM 611, CPAM 911, CPAM 911H and combinations thereof.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM 835, CPAM 853, CPAM 611, CPAM 911, CPAM 911H, CPAM 4808SSH and combinations thereof.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM 835, CPAM 853, CPAM 911, CPAM 911H, CPAM 4808SSH and combinations thereof.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM 835, CPAM 853, CPAM 911, CPAM 911H and combinations thereof.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition as described herein, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is CPAM 4808SSH.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing solids from a solid-liquid mixture is provided, the method comprising: a) mixing a cationic polyacrylamide polymer with a cationic polymer surfactant aggregate to form a conditioned flocculant; b) stirring the conditioned flocculant with the solid-liquid mixture to form a stirred mixture; and c) removing solids from the stirred mixture.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method as described herein is provided, the method further comprising mixing a stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method as described herein is provided, wherein mixing the stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate occurs before mixing the cationic polyacrylamide polymer with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method as described herein is provided, wherein mixing the stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate and mixing the cationic polyacrylamide polymer with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate occur simultaneously.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method as described herein is provided, the method further comprising mixing a size-modifying surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing solids from a solid-liquid mixture is provided, the method comprising: a) adding a composition as described herein to a solid-liquid mixture; b) stirring the solid-liquid mixture with the composition to form a stirred mixture; and c) removing solids from the stirred mixture.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method as described herein is provided, wherein removing solids comprises at least one selected from the following: filtration, centrifugation, gravity separation, flotation, skimming, and electromagnetic attraction.

[0049] After reading the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention,

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates [SMA] of various polyglyceryl octanoate surfactants having different concentrationsQuat 725]:[TX305][5]:[2.5]% particle aggregate diameter growth. Figure 1 A of: [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[0 - 5]% solution particle size distribution. Figure 1 B of: [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG6-C][5]:[2.5]:[0 - 5]% solution particle size distribution. Figure 1 C of: [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG10-C][5]:[2.5]:[0 - 5]% solution particle size distribution. All solutions were diluted to 0.1 wt.% before particle size measurement. [0% PG-C] (very light gray); [1% PG-C] (light gray); [2% PG-C] (gray); [3% PG-C] (dark gray); [5% PG-C] (black).

[0052] Figure 2 Illustrated by [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305][5]:[2.5]% and the turbidity of 0.3% kaolin coagulated with various concentrations of PG3-C surfactant below: [0% PG3-C] (black); [1% PG3-C] (dark gray); [2% PG3-C] (gray); [3% PG-C] (light gray); [5% PG3-C] (very light gray).

[0053] Figure 3 Illustrated by adding NanoNet TM Improve the flocculation activity of medium-charge cationic polyacrylamide for 0.3% kaolin suspension. Praestol TM 835BS (CPAM 835) was prepared as a 2 wt.% stock solution, and the required amount of [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]% (NN A) of NanoNet TM was added to form the final flocculant formulation CPAM 835:NN A . CPAM 835 is a medium-charge density and high-molecular-weight cationic polyacrylamide (solid line, black circle); CPAM 835:NN A ratio is 1:0.25 (dashed line, light gray triangle).

[0054] Figure 4 Illustrated by adding NanoNetTM Effect on the rheological properties of polyacrylamide solution. CPAMHyperdrill TM CP911H (CPAM 911H) was prepared into a 2 wt% stock solution, and the required amount of [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]% of NanoNet TM was added to produce NanoNet TM and a mixed solution of polyacrylamide (CPAM911H:NN A ). CPAM 911H:NN A (1:0.2 weight ratio) (solid line, black circle); CPAM:NN A (1:0.3 ratio) (dashed line, light gray triangle); CPAM:NN A (1:0.4 ratio) (dashed line, gray square); CPAM 911H:NN A (1:0.6 ratio) (dashed line, dark gray triangle); CPAM 911H:NN A (1:1 ratio) (dashed line, light gray circle).

[0055] Figure 5 Illustrates CPAM:NN A Floc stability over time under shear at a constant [CPAM] of 18 ppm in a diluted mature fine tailings water matrix A. Figure 5 A) CPAM 835 is a cationic polyacrylamide with medium charge density and high molecular weight. Figure 5 B) Praestol TM 853BC (CPAM 853) is a cationic polyacrylamide with very high charge density and high molecular weight. Figure 5 C) Praestol TM 859BS (CPAM 859) is a cationic polyacrylamide with extremely high charge density and high molecular weight. CPAM was prepared into a 2 wt% stock solution and the required amount of [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]% of NanoNet TM was added. Shearing was carried out at 200 rpm. CPAM alone (solid line, black circle); CPAM:NN (1:0.25 wt / wt polyacrylamide:SMA Quat 725; dashed line, light gray triangle); CPAM:NN (1:0.6 wt / wt polyacrylamide:SMA Quat725; dashed line, grey square); CPAM:NN (1:1 wt / wt polyacrylamide:SMA Quat 725; dashed line, dark grey triangle).

[0056] Figure 6 Illustrates the effect of polyacrylamide concentration on the flocculation effect of the blend of NanoNet TM and polyacrylamide in diluted mature fine tailings (aqueous matrix A). A): With different amounts of NanoNet added TM A([SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C] 5:2.5:2%) to prepare several flocculant formulations (CPAM911H:NN A ), before preparing 3% wt / vol CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911. The following flocculation activities were measured in diluted mature fine tailings: CPAM alone (solid line, black circle); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.25 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; dashed line, light grey triangle); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.4 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725 dashed line, grey square); CPAM911H:NN A (1:1 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; solid line, dark grey triangle). Figure 6 of B): The same as in Figure 6 of A), where 5% CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911 was prepared before adding NanoNet TM A; Figure 6 of C): The same as in Figure 6 of A), where 6% CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911 was prepared before adding NanoNet TM A.

[0057] Figure 7 Illustrates the effect of NanoNet TM on the flocculation effect of highly charged cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911H) on oily sludge aqueous matrix D (1:1 diluted in distilled water). Figure 7 of A): With and without NN ADosage of CPAM 911H required for complete flocculation (CPAM 911H alone (black); CPAM911H:NN A (grey)). Figure 7 B) Turbidity of the filtrate after dewatering of the flocculation matrix D. The measured turbidity of the filtrate of CPAM 911H was 269 ppm, CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.25 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725) was 141 ppm, and it was found that CPAM 911H and CPAM911H:NN A In Figure 7 A) provided comparable sedimentation rates.

[0058] Figure 8 Illustrates the effect of NanoNet on CPAM 911H during flocculation of the concentrated mature fine tailings water matrix C. Prepare 3% CPAM 911H and add the required amount of NanoNet TM A. TM Figure 8 A) Optimal dosage to achieve complete flocculation: CPAM (black); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.25 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; dark grey), CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.4 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; grey); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.6 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; light grey). Figure 8 B) Drainage rate of the flocs to the total volume within 60 seconds; CPAM (solid line, black circles); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.25 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; dashed line, light grey triangles); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.4 wt / wt) CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; dashed line, grey squares); CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.6 wt / wt CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725; dashed line, dark grey triangles).

[0059] Figure 9 Illustrates CPAM Hyperdrill TMCP911 and CPAM911H:NN A Stability analysis in 0.3% kaolin. CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911 was prepared with 5% CPAM and the required amount of NanoNet containing Quat [SMA TM 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]% was added to achieve a final wt / wt ratio of 1:0.25 CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725. Figure 9 A) Effect of samples over time in flocculating 0.3% kaolin compared to fresh samples at day 0; Figure 9 B) Viscosity change over time at 30 rpm. CPAM (black); CPAM911H:NN A (grey).

[0060] Figure 10 Illustrates the particle size growth of [SMA Quat 725]:[Tween TM 20][5]:[2]% systems with various [APG] ratios. [1% APG] (very light grey); [2% APG] (light grey); [2% APG] (grey); [2.5% APG] (dark grey); [3% PG3-C] (black).

[0061] Figure 11 Illustrates the relative sedimentation rate of CPAM853 alone or CPAM853 adjusted with NanoNet TM B (SMA Quat 725:Tween TM 20:APG 5:2:2.5 wt / vol%). The relative sedimentation rate of CPAM835 added alone (solid line, black circles) and CPAM835 added after NanoNet TM adjustment (1:0.5 CPAM835:SMA Quat 725 weight ratio; dashed line, light grey triangles) is reported.

[0062] Figure 12 : Illustrates the requirements of fully flocculated CPAM911H for water matrix D (50% in distilled water) when added alone or adjusted with two different ratios of NanoNet TM B. CPAM (black); CPAM911H:NN B (1:0.25 CPAM911H:SMA Quat725 weight ratio; gray); CPAM911H:NN B (1:0.5 CPAM911H:SMA Quat 725 weight ratio; light gray).

[0063] Figure 13 : Illustrates the FTIR spectra of SMA-I and quaternized SMA-I (SMA Quat 725).

[0064] Figure 14 : Illustrates SMA-I and SMA Quat 725's 1 H NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6, 400 MHz. Asterisks indicate residual solvent.

[0065] Figure 15 : Illustrates SMA-I and SMA Quat 725's 13 C NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6, 400 MHz. Asterisks indicate solvent. Residual DMF was observed at 35.7 ppm and 30.7 ppm.

[0066] Figure 16 : Illustrates [SMA Quat 725] I 's FTIR spectrum

[0067] Figure 17 : Illustrates SMA Quat 725I's 1 H NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6.

[0068] Figure 18 : Illustrates SMA Quat 725I's 13 C NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6.

[0069] Figure 19 : Illustrates SMA Quat 725Cl's FTIR spectrum.

[0070] Figure 20 : Illustrates SMA Quat 725Cl's 1 H NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6.

[0071] Figure 21 : Illustrates SMA Quat 725Cl's 13 C NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6.

[0072] Figure 22 : Illustrates the FTIR spectrum of cumene-capped SMA-I.

[0073] Figure 23 : Illustrates the FTIR spectrum of cumene-capped SMA Quat .

[0074] Figure 24 : Illustrates the effect of adding NanoNet Quat containing cationic polymers with two different end groups (cumene-un-capped SMA Quat 725 and cumene-capped SMA A 725) on the flocculation effect of cationic polyacrylamide solution. CPAM 4808SSH was prepared as a 3% wt / vol stock solution, and the required amount of NanoNet A containing [cumene-capped or cumene-un-capped SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]% (NanoNet A ) was added TM to produce a mixed solution of NanoNet TM and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM:NanoNet A ). CPAM (3% wt / vol, control) (solid line, black circles); CPAM:NanoNet A (1:0.25 wt / wt ratio of polyacrylamide:cumene-un-capped SMA Quat 725) (dashed line, light gray triangles); CPAM:NanoNet A (1:0.25 wt / wt ratio of polyacrylamide:cumene-capped SMA Quat 725) (dashed line, gray squares).

[0075] Figure 25 : Illustrates the effect of adding NanoNet Quat containing different SMA TM polymers with different hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratios on the flocculation effect of cationic polyacrylamide solution. CPAM CP911H was prepared as a 3 wt / vol stock solution, and the required amount of NanoNet Quat containing [SMA A :[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]% (NanoNet TM ) was added TM to produce a mixed solution of NanoNet A and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM:NanoNet​​A (1: Polyacrylamide:SMA at a ratio of 0.25 wt / wt Quat 725) (solid line, black circle); CPAM:NN A (1: Polyacrylamide: SMA containing a hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratio of 2:1 Quat 130 of NN A )(dashed line, light gray triangle); CPAM:NN A (1: Polyacrylamide: SMA containing a hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratio of 1:1 Quat 150 of NN A )(dashed line, gray square); CPAM:NN A (1: Polyacrylamide: SMA containing a hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratio of 2:1 Quat 230 of NN A )(dashed line, dark gray triangle). Detailed implementation manners

[0076] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Bio-soft TM N1-7 (CAS#34398-01-1); BS7; alcohol ethoxylate; ethoxylated undecan-1-ol; and poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-undecyl-ω-hydroxy.

[0077] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Bio-soft TM N1-9 (CAS#34398-01-1); alcohol ethoxylate; and linear alcohol (C 11 ) ethoxylate.

[0078] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Bio-soft TM N25-9 (CAS#68131-39-5); and ethoxylated C 12-15 alcohol.

[0079] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Bio-soft TM N91-8 (CAS#68439-46-3); BS N91-8; BS8; and ethoxylated C 9-11 alcohol.

[0080] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Bio-soft TMSurfactants; and linear alcohol ethoxylates.

[0081] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Brij TM 35 (CAS#9002-92-0); 2-(dodecyloxy)ethanol; a polymer of ethylene glycol and 1-dodecanol, having >20 mol of ethylene oxide; polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether; and polyoxyethylene (23) lauryl ether.

[0082] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Brij TM O10 (CAS#9004-98-2); polyoxyethylene (10) oleyl ether; Brij TM 97; 2-[(9Z)-9-octadecen-1-yloxy]ethanol.

[0083] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Brij TM Surfactants; alcohol ethoxylates; alcohols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols; lauryl alcohol polyether compounds; and ethoxylated natural fatty alcohols, polyoxyethylene ethers.

[0084] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: CPAMHyperdrill TM 911; and CPAM 911; a cationic polyacrylamide having an 80% charge density and a medium molecular weight.

[0085] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: CPAMHyperdrill TM 911H; and CPAM 911H; a cationic polyacrylamide having an 80% charge density and a medium molecular weight.

[0086] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: CPAMPraestol TM 835BS (CAS#372543); and CPAM 835; a cationic polyacrylamide having a medium charge density and a high molecular weight.

[0087] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: CPAMPraestol TM 853BC (CAS#790265); and CPAM 853; a cationic polyacrylamide having a very high charge density and a high molecular weight.

[0088] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: CPAMPraestol TM 859BS (CAS#380868); and CPAM 859; cationic polyacrylamide with extremely high charge density and high molecular weight.

[0089] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Brij TM A series based on lauryl - oleyl - stearyl - cetyl - cetearyl; and ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

[0090] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Tween TM A series of surfactants; Tween TM A series of surfactants; and polysorbate.

[0091] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Tween TM 20 (CAS#9005 - 64 - 5); Tween TM 20; ethoxylated (20) sorbitan monolaurate based on natural fatty acid (lauric acid); polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate; polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate; polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate; polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate; and polysorbate 20.

[0092] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Tween TM 40 (CAS#9005 - 66 - 7); Tween TM 40; polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate; polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate; and polysorbate 40.

[0093] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Tween TM 60 (CAS#9005 - 67 - 8); Tween TM 60; polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate; polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate; polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate; and polysorbate 60.

[0094] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Tween TM 80 (CAS#9005 - 65 - 6); TweenTM 80; Ethoxylated sorbitan esters based on natural fatty acids (palmitic acid); Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate; Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and polysorbate 80.

[0095] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Eco Tween TM 85 (CAS#9005-70-3); Tween TM 85; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate; and polysorbate 85.

[0096] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: FLOPAM TM FO4808SSH; and CPAM 4808SSH.

[0097] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Genapol TM X80 (CAS#9043-30-5); GP80; Polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ether; Oligoethylene glycol monoalkyl ether; and isotridecanol polyethylene glycol ether (8EO).

[0098] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Myrj TM 52 (CAS#9004-99-3); 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecenoate; 2-Hydroxyethyl stearate; Ethylene glycol stearate; 2-Hydroxyethyl octadecenoate; and polyoxyethylene (40) stearate.

[0099] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Myrj TM Surfactant series; Nonionic ethoxylated fatty acids, polyoxyethylene stearate.

[0100] As used herein, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Praestol TM 611BC; and CPAM 611.

[0101] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Sucrose ester S-1670 stearic acid (CAS# 25168-73-4); [(2S,3S,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxolan-2-yl]methyl octadecanoate; α-D-glucopyranosyl β-D-fructofuranosyl monooctadecanoate; sucrose monostearate; and monostearate of sucrose with stearic acid.

[0102] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following term is generally used interchangeably: Tergitol TM 15-S-20 (CAS# 84133-50-6); TG 15-S-20; secondary alcohol ethoxylate; and ethoxylated C 12-14 secondary alcohol.

[0103] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following term is generally used interchangeably: Tergitol TM 15-S-40 (CAS# 84133-50-6); TG 15-S-40; secondary alcohol ethoxylate 41EO and ethoxylated C 12-14 secondary alcohol.

[0104] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following term is generally used interchangeably: Tergitol TM 15-S-9 (CAS# 84133-50-6); secondary alcohol ethoxylate; secondary alkoxypolyethylene glycol, repeat unit = 9, molecular weight 607 g / mol.

[0105] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following term is generally used interchangeably: Tergitol TM NP-10 (CAS# 127087-87-0); 2-{2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}ethan-1-ol; nonylphenol ethoxylate; alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE); mono(p-nonylphenyl) ether; and polyethylene glycol mono(branched p-nonylphenyl) ether; molecular weight 682 g / mol.

[0106] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following term is generally used interchangeably: Tergitol TM NP-9 (CAS# 127087-87-0); mono(p-nonylphenyl) ether; nonoxinol-9; polyethylene glycol mono(branched p-nonylphenyl) ether; molecular weight 616 g / mol.

[0107] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Tergitol TM Surfactant; alcohol ethoxylate; nonionic surfactant, and secondary alcohol ethoxylate.

[0108] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Triton TM Series of surfactants; 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , where n = 30, n = 9, n = 10, and / or n = 4 - 5; and polyethylene glycol.

[0109] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Triton TM CG-110 (CAS#68515-73-1); and alkyl polyglycoside (APG).

[0110] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms are generally used interchangeably: Triton TM X-305 (CAS#9002-93-1); TX305; polyethylene glycol mono(4-tert-octylphenyl) ether; polyethylene glycol p-octylphenyl ether; and 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , where n = 30.

[0111] As used herein, the term “SMA Quat ” refers to a cationic block copolymer formed from styrene maleimide units. Examples of cationic block copolymers include, but are not limited to, styrene urethane block copolymers, limonene urethane block copolymers, limonene maleimide block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0112] As used herein, the term "polymer surfactant aggregate" refers to particles formed by the association between a polymer and surfactant aggregates. Polymer surfactant aggregates self-assemble in an aqueous environment, are stable in aqueous solution, and consist of i) a polymer and ii) surfactant aggregates. Polymer surfactant aggregates remain associated at lower concentrations compared to surfactant aggregates in the absence of a polymer. The solution stability of polymer surfactant aggregates can be disrupted by adding a suitable destabilizing material. Generally, polymer surfactant aggregates are colloidal particles comprising an amphiphilic block copolymer and a surfactant and optionally a modified surfactant and / or a size-modifying surfactant. Amphiphilic block copolymers generally comprise hydrophilic functional groups and hydrophobic functional groups. Examples of hydrophilic functional groups include, but are not limited to, amide- or imide-linked ethanol groups, amide- or imide-linked primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternary amines, amide- or imide-linked thiol groups. The polymer may also contain amide- or imide-linked zwitterionic groups, such as carboxylated quaternary amines. Examples of hydrophobic functional groups include, but are not limited to, straight-chain or branched alkyl chains (saturated, mono-unsaturated, or poly-unsaturated), aliphatic rings, polycyclic rings, aromatic rings (having at least one aromatic ring), styrene, diisobutyl, saturated and unsaturated alkyl chains, limonene, and pinene. In some embodiments, the aromatic rings are alkylated. Generally, the hydrophobic monomer units have as few as 3 and as many as 12 carbon atoms. Some examples of polymer surfactant aggregates are described in PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO2020 / 113330, published on June 11, 2020. As used herein, the term "cationic polymer surfactant aggregate" refers to a polymer surfactant aggregate having an overall positive charge, wherein the surfactant and the polymer interact through the association of their hydrophobic functional groups. Generally, cationic polymer surfactant aggregates are formed from cationic block copolymers (such as styrene-maleimide copolymers having side-chain amine groups and their derivatives), stabilizing surfactants (such as Triton TM series surfactants, such as Triton TM X-305, or Tween TM series surfactants, such as Tween TM 20) and size-modifying surfactants (such as polyglycerol 3-caprylate or decyl glucoside). Generally, NanoNet TM compositions are polymer surfactant aggregates. In some embodiments, the polymer surfactant aggregates suitable for the present invention are nonionic. In other embodiments, the polymer surfactant aggregates suitable for the present invention are ionic, but must not carry an overall anionic charge.

[0113] As used herein, the term "stable surfactant" refers to a surfactant with a hydrophobic lipid balance (HLB) > 14 and typically does not carry a charge in its hydrophilic head group. In some preferred embodiments, the surfactant consists of a hydrophilic head group that repeats ethoxylates, sorbates, or other nonionic water-soluble groups. In some other preferred embodiments, the stable surfactant may carry a cationic hydrophilic head group. The hydrophobic portion of the surfactant may consist of saturated or unsaturated alkyl chains or aromatic groups. Non-limiting examples of stable surfactants suitable for the present invention include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated amines, ethoxylated sorbitan ester fatty acids, quaternary ammonium salts, Tween TM 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), Tween TM 40 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), Tween TM 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate), Tween TM 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate) or 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , having the following chemical formula:

[0114]

[0115] where n = 4 - 5, n = 9, n = 10, or n = 30), Eco Tween TM series (Eco Tween TM 20 & EcoTween TM 80) (100% biodegradable), Tergitol TM 15-S-40 (HLB 18), Brij TM 35 (HLB 16.9), Tergitol TM 15-S-20 (HLB 15), sucrose ester S-1670 stearic acid (HLB 16), Myrj TM 52 (polyoxyethylene monostearate) (HLB 16.9), Eco Brij TMBased on the lauryl-oleyl-stearyl-cetyl-cetearyl series (HLB 11 - 18.8, and in some cases can act as one or both of a size-modifying surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant depending on the degree of ethoxylation and HLB), and / or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the stabilizing surfactant suitable for the present invention is nonionic. In other embodiments, the stabilizing surfactant suitable for the present invention is ionic.

[0116] As used herein, the term "size-modifying surfactant" refers to a surfactant having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 10 to 14. The size-modifying surfactant can be nonionic or zwitterionic or cationic, but must not carry an overall negative charge. Examples of size-modifying surfactants suitable for the present invention include, but are not limited to, Tergitol TM surfactant (nonionic surfactant, secondary alcohol ethoxylate), Bio-soft TM (linear alcohol ethoxylate) surfactant, arginine salt (ester)-based surfactant, sucrose fatty acid ester, Brij TM surfactant (ethoxylated natural fatty alcohol, polyethylene oxide ether) and Myrj TM surfactant series (nonionic, ethoxylated fatty acid, polyethylene oxide stearate) and replenishing lipids surfactant. The replenishing lipids are usually based on polyglycerol, and examples include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol distearate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl cocoate, and / or combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the size-modifying surfactant has a low HLB. Some non-limiting examples of low HLB size-modifying surfactants include Bio-soft TM N1-9 (HLB = 13.9), Bio-soft TM N25-9 (HLB = 13.3), Tergitol TM NP-9 (HLB = 12.9), Tergitol TM 15-S-9 (HLB = 13.3), Tergitol TM NP-10 (HLB = 13.3), BS7 (Bio-soft TM N1-7) (HLB = 12.9), GP80 (Genapol TM X80) (HLB = 12), BS8 (Bio-soft TM N91-8) (HLB = 13.9), lauroyl arginine ethyl ester HCl cationic (HLB = 10.5), Brij TM O10 (HLB = 12.4), Eco Brij TMBased on the lauryl-oleyl-stearyl-cetyl-cetearyl series (HLB 11-18.8, and in some cases can act as one or both of a size-modifying surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant depending on the degree of ethoxylation and HLB) and / or combinations thereof.

[0117] As used herein, the term "polyacrylamide" means a polymer formed from nonionic acrylamide subunits and additional monomers suitable for free radical polymerization. The choice of additional monomers can be essentially cationic, such as [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (AETAC), dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DADMAC), methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (DMC), 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (MAETAC), methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC). Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) is a polyacrylamide with an overall positive charge. CPAMs can be classified according to their charge density. Medium charge density CPAMs have the following charge density: 20% to 40%. High charge density CPAMs have the following charge density: 40% to 60%. Very high charge density CPAMs have the following charge density: 60% to 79%. Extremely high charge density CPAMs have the following charge density: 80% to 100%. Polyacrylamides can have a linear structure or a crosslinked structure. Polyacrylamides suitable for the present invention include polyacrylamides that are essentially cationic, and the molar percentage of cationic monomers incorporated into the final polymer is 2% to 100%. Polyacrylamides not suitable for the present invention include polymers that carry an anionic charge in aqueous solution. As used herein, the term "acrylamide subunit" refers to the moiety having the chemical formula -CH2CHCONH2-.

[0118] As used herein, the term "about" means that exact compliance with the exact value after the term "about" is not absolutely required or necessary, and allows some minor deviation from the exact value. In many cases, a deviation of ±10% is acceptable. In a preferred case, a deviation of ±5% is acceptable. In other preferred cases, a deviation of ±1% is acceptable. In other preferred cases, a deviation of ±0.1% is acceptable.

[0119] As used herein, the term "moiety" refers to a group of a molecule that is attached to another moiety.

[0120] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" by itself or as part of another substituent refers to a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group, a cyclic hydrocarbon group, or a combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, mono-unsaturated or poly-unsaturated, and may include divalent or polyvalent groups, having the specified number of carbon atoms (e.g., C1-C 10 or 1 to 10 yuan means 1 to 10 carbons). Examples of saturated hydrocarbon groups include, but are not limited to, groups such as: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, homologs and isomers (e.g., homologs and isomers of n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, etc.). Unsaturated alkyl groups are alkyl groups having one or more double or triple bonds. Examples of unsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1-propynyl and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl and higher homologs and isomers. The term "alkyl" is meant to include both substituted and unsubstituted forms of the indicated groups, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Preferred substituents are provided below.

[0121] As used herein, the term "charge density" refers to the mole percentage of monomers containing charged functional groups within a polymer. In some embodiments, it may be related to the properties of a moiety that can be described by the following formula: charge density = charge / volume. The charge density of polyacrylamide is described in Smith-Palmer, T; Wentzell, B.R, Definition of the charge density of acrylamide / acrylate copolymers by tensammetry. Can. J. Chem. 68, 26 (1990).

[0122] As used herein, the term "molecular weight" refers to the molecular weight of a given molecule measured in Daltons (Da). The molecular weight is a weighted average, particularly the weight of large molecules is referred to as their molecular weight and is typically expressed in kDa, although the numerical value is usually an approximation and represents the average weight per molecule. As is often the case with polymers, the composition of a bulk polymer comprises individual polymers having different molecular weights and is typically obtained and / or sold by an average molecular weight, which means that some of the individual polymers within the bulk polymer may have a molecular weight higher or lower than the average molecular weight and many individual polymers will have the average molecular weight. It is acceptable in embodiments of the present invention to use a bulk polymer of individual polymers having different molecular weights from each other. It is also acceptable in embodiments of the present invention to use a bulk polymer of individual polymers having only the same molecular weight as each other. Those skilled in the art of polymers will be familiar with such methods of obtaining the average molecular weight of polymers and will be able to readily identify polymers (bulk polymers and individual polymers) suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention based on this teaching.

[0123] As used herein, the term "solid-liquid mixture" refers to a mixture in which solid particles are suspended. Usually, the solid-liquid mixture is an aqueous mixture.

[0124] As used herein, the term "agitating" refers to mixing, stirring, or otherwise promoting the movement of components in a liquid or solid-liquid mixture and their contact with each other. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with various agitation techniques and such techniques can be used in embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] In exemplary embodiments, a composition comprising cationic polymer surfactant aggregates and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) is provided. The CPAM has a charge density of 2% to 100%. In some preferred embodiments, the CPAM has a charge density of 10% to 100%. In some other preferred embodiments, the CPAM has a low charge density (i.e., 2% to 19%). In some other preferred embodiments, the CPAM has a medium charge density (i.e., in the range of: 20% to 40%). In some other preferred embodiments, the CPAM has a high charge density (i.e., in the range of: 40% to 60%). In some other preferred embodiments, the CPAM has a very high charge density (i.e., in the range of: 60% to 79%). In some other preferred embodiments, the CPAM has an extremely high charge density (i.e., in the range of: 80% to 100%). In some preferred embodiments, the polyacrylamide has a charge density of 30%. In some other preferred embodiments, the polyacrylamide has a charge density of 40%. In some other preferred embodiments, the polyacrylamide has a charge density of 50%. In some other preferred embodiments, the polyacrylamide has a charge density of 80%. In some other preferred embodiments, the CPAM has a charge density of 90%.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the cationic polyacrylamide has 2×10 6 to 30×10 6 molecular weight. In some preferred embodiments, the cationic polyacrylamide has 5×10 6 to 12×10 6 molecular weight. In some other preferred embodiments, the cationic polyacrylamide has 5×10 6 to 8×10 6 molecular weight. Poly(2 - acrylamide) or the cationic polyacrylamide polymer "CPAM" is selected from CPAM Praestol TM 835BS (CPAM 835), Praestol TM 853BC (CPAM 853), Praestol TM 611BC (CPAM 611), CPAM Hyperdrill TM 911 (CPAM 911), CPAMHyperdrill TM 911H (CPAM 911H) and combinations thereof. In some other preferred embodiments, the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM Praestol TM 835BS (CPAM 835), PraestolTM 853 BC (CPAM 853), CPAM Hyperdrill TM 911 (CPAM 911), CPAM Hyperdrill TM 911H (CPAM 911H) and combinations thereof.

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate comprises a cationic block copolymer, a stabilizing surfactant, and a size modifying surfactant. In some of these embodiments, preferably the cationic block copolymer is a styrene maleimide block copolymer or a combination thereof.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 5,000 Da. In some other preferred embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 7,000 Da. In some other preferred embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 27,000 Da. In some other preferred embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 100,000 Da. In some exemplary embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 3:1. In some other exemplary embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 2:1. In some exemplary embodiments, the cationic block copolymer has a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 1:1. In some preferred exemplary embodiments, the cationic block copolymer is an amphiphilic polymer.

[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, the stabilizing surfactant can be Tween TM surfactant, ethoxylated amine, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid ester, quaternary ammonium salt, Eco Tween TM series (Eco Tween TM 20 & Eco Tween TM 80), Tergitol TM 15 - S - 40 (HLB 18), Brij TM 35 (HLB 16.9), Tergitol TM 15 - S - 20 (HLB 15), sucrose ester S - 1670 stearic acid (HLB 16), Myrj TM 52 (polyoxyethylene monostearate) (HLB 16.9), Eco Brij TMBased on the lauryl-oleyl-stearyl-cetyl-cetearyl series (HLB 11 - 18.8, and in some cases can act as one or both of a size-modifying surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant depending on the degree of ethoxylation and HLB), 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , having the following chemical formula:

[0130]

[0131] where n = 4 - 5, n = 9, n = 10, and / or n = 30), or an ethoxylated amine, a quaternary ammonium salt, and / or 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , having the following chemical formula:

[0132]

[0133] where n = 4 - 5, n = 9, n = 10, and / or n = 30) and any combination and / or mixture thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the stabilizing surfactant is Tween TM 20, which has the following chemical formula:

[0134]

[0135] where w + x + y + z = 20.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, the size-modifying surfactant can be an alkyl polyglycoside, a lipid, an oil, a polyglycerol 3-caprylate surfactant, a polyglycerol 6-caprylate surfactant, a polyglycerol 10-caprylate surfactant, a sugar-derived surfactant, a glycidyl-derived surfactant, a fatty acid alcohol-derived surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a sugar polyoxyethylene combined surfactant, a sugar ester surfactant, a sulfonated sugar-based surfactant, an aldosylamide-based surfactant, an amidosugar-based surfactant, an amino alcohol surfactant, an amino acid-based surfactant, a polyol surfactant, a 1,2-diol surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and / or any mixture and / or combination thereof. In some other preferred embodiments, the size-modifying surfactants suitable for the present invention include, but are not limited to, Tergitol TM surfactants (nonionic surfactants, secondary alcohol ethoxylates), Bio-soft TM(Linear alcohol ethoxylate) surfactants, arginine salt (ester)-based surfactants, sucrose fatty acid esters, Brij TM Surfactants (ethoxylated natural fatty alcohols, polyoxyethylene ethers) and Myrj TM Surfactant series (nonionic, ethoxylated fatty acids, polyoxyethylene stearates) and sizing surfactants. Sizing agents are typically based on polyglycerol, and examples include but are not limited to ethylene glycol distearate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl cocoate, and / or combinations thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the sizing surfactant has a low HLB. Some non-limiting examples of low HLB sizing surfactants include Bio-soft TM N1-9 (HLB = 13.9), Bio-soft TM N25-9 (HLB = 13.3), Tergitol TM NP-9 (HLB = 12.9), Tergitol TM 15-S-9 (HLB = 13.3), Tergitol TM NP-10 (HLB = 13.3), BS7 (Bio-soft TM N1-7) (HLB = 12.9), GP80 (Genapol TM X80) (HLB = 12), BS8 (Bio-soft TM N91-8) (HLB = 13.9), lauroyl arginine ethyl ester HCl cationic (HLB = 10.5), Brij TM O10 (HLB = 12.4), Eco Brij TM A series based on lauryl - oleyl - stearyl - cetyl - cetearyl (HLB 11 - 18.8, and in some cases can act as one or both of a sizing surfactant and a stabilizing surfactant depending on the degree of ethoxylation and HLB) and / or combinations thereof.

[0137] The compositions of the present invention can be used to remove solids from solid - liquid mixtures. The method for removing solids from a solid - liquid mixture can include adding the composition of the present invention to the solid - liquid mixture, stirring the composition of the present invention with the solid - liquid mixture, and then removing the solids from the stirred mixture.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method for removing solids from a solid - liquid mixture can include:

[0139] a) Mixing a cationic polyacrylamide polymer with a cationic polymer surfactant aggregate to form a conditioned flocculant;

[0140] b) Stir the adjusted flocculant together with the solid-liquid mixture to form a stirred mixture; and

[0141] c) Remove the solids from the stirred mixture.

[0142] In some preferred embodiments, the method further comprises mixing a stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

[0143] In some other preferred embodiments, the method further comprises mixing a size-modifying surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

[0144] In some preferred embodiments, the method further comprises mixing a stabilizing surfactant and a size-modifying surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments of the method of the present invention, the stabilizing surfactant is mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate before the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate. In some other preferred embodiments, the stabilizing surfactant and the cationic polyacrylamide polymer are mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate simultaneously.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments of the method of the present invention, the size-modifying surfactant is mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate before the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate. In some other preferred embodiments, the size-modifying surfactant and the cationic polyacrylamide polymer are mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate simultaneously.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments of the method of the present invention, the stabilizing surfactant and the size-modifying surfactant are mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate before the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate. In some other preferred embodiments, the stabilizing surfactant, the size-modifying surfactant, and the cationic polyacrylamide polymer are mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate simultaneously.

[0148] The polyacrylamide applicable to the present invention can be mixed with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate using any preparation method known to those skilled in the art, such as inverse emulsion polymerization, salt water dispersion, or as dry polyacrylamide.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments of the method according to the present invention, removing the solids includes filtration, centrifugation, gravity separation, flotation, skimming, electromagnetic attraction, and / or any combination thereof.

[0150] Example

[0151] The following examples illustrate some of the embodiments of the invention described herein. These examples do not limit the gist or scope of the invention in any way.

[0152] Methods and Materials:

[0153] Triton TM X-305 (CAS#9002-93-1, TX305) and Triton TM CG-110 (CAS#68515-73-1) alkyl polyglycoside (APG) was purchased from Sigma Aldrich. CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911 and CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911H (desalted polymer) was purchased from SNF, with 80% charge density and medium molecular weight. CPAM Praestol with medium charge density and high molecular weight TM 835BS (CAS#372543), CPAM Praestol with very high charge density and high molecular weight TM 853BC CAS(#790265), CPAM Praestol with extremely high charge density and high molecular weight TM 859BS (CAS#380868) was purchased from Solenis. Polyglycerol surfactants with 3 - 10 repeating glycerol units and 6 - 18 carbonyl alkyl chain lengths were purchased from Jinan Dowin chemical technology Co., Ltd. The mixture of polyglycerol surfactants has the following hydrophilic - lipophilic balance (HLB) values: PG3 - C / PG10 - S with HLB values of 10 / 12 respectively, and PG6 - C / PG10 - C / PG10 - L have HLB values of 14 / 15 / 16 respectively. Methyl chloride (CAS#74-87-3) was purchased from Linde. Methyl iodide (CAS#74-88-4), cyclohexanone (CAS#108-94-1) and 3-(dimethylamino)-1 - propylamine (CAS#109-55-7) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Tergitol TM 15 - S - 20 solution (TG 15 - S - 20, CAS#84133-50-6, TG 15 - S - 20), Tween TM 20 (CAS#9005-64-5) and APG (Triton TMCG-110 (CAS# 68515-73-1) was purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Bio-soft TM N91-8 (BS N91-8, CAS# 68439-46-3) was from Stepan. Tergitol TM 15-S-40 (TG 15-S-40, CAS# 84133-50-6) was from DOW. FLOPAM with 80% charge density and very high molecular weight TM FO 4808SSH was purchased from SNF.

[0154] Cationic polymer: [SMA Quat 725]I or [SMA Quat General synthesis of 725]Cl

[0155] At ambient temperature, styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (3:1 copolymer, 420 g, 23.9% maleic anhydride comonomer content), 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propanamine (128 mL, 104.6 g, 1 equivalent), and 1 L of cyclohexanone were combined. The mixture was heated to approximately 160 °C and refluxed for an additional 3 - 6 h after all the polymer had dissolved. A thick yellow / orange slurry was obtained and allowed to cool to ambient temperature. A 20% SMA-I solution was generated by combining equal volumes of 40% SMA-I and acetone. Aliquots were transferred to a high-viscosity mixer and combined separately with methyl iodide (1.0 equivalent) or methyl chloride (1.0 equivalent). Mixing at 100 rpm for 10 minutes produced a tangled white or off-white polymer. Approximately 50% of the solvent could be decanted from the vessel. The polymer could be dried without washing or could be washed with acetone.

[0156] Cationic polymer: [SMA Quat-异丙苯封端 725]I or [SMA Quat-异丙苯封端 725]Cl general synthesis

[0157] Add the cumene-capped SMA 3:1 copolymer (SMA-725C), 50.0 g, 23.9% maleic anhydride (MA) comonomer content, 12.0 g, 0.12 mol) to cyclohexanone (300 mL, BP = 156 °C) to form a solution with a concentration of approximately 16%. Reflux the mixture until a light yellow solution is obtained. After the reaction is cooled to ambient temperature, add 3-(dimethylamino)-1-propylamine (1 equivalent relative to MA, 12.5 g, 15.2 mL) dropwise, causing the solution to turn dark yellow or orange. Use a water-cooled condenser and a heating mantle to reflux the mixture for at least 3 hours or until complete conversion is observed by FT-IR spectroscopy, then cool to ambient temperature. Take an aliquot (approx. 5 mL) and dry it overnight in a vacuum oven at 60 °C to constant weight. The IR spectroscopic analysis results are consistent with the non-cumene-capped variant, and complete conversion to the cyclic maleimide product is observed. The product is not separated before conversion to the desired quaternary product (as described below).

[0158] IR(ATR,cm -1 ): 3058, 3025, 2917, 2911, 1715, 1687, 1491, 1448, 1396, 1340, 1221, 1215, 1146, 1027, 956, 908, 755, 697 (see Figure 22 ).

[0159] Cumene-capped SMA- Quat was synthesized using the solvated cumene-capped SMA-I [SMA Quat-异丙苯封端 725]I described above. Dilute a solution of [SMA Quat-异丙苯封端 725]I (approx. 21% in cyclopentanone, 100 mL) to a concentration of approximately 10% with acetone (100 mL). Homogenize the mixture at 100 rpm in a high-viscosity mixer heated to 40 °C using an external circulating water bath. Seal the container and add chloromethane to the mixer. After short-term mixing, stop the stirrer and let the reaction proceed for a few minutes. Close the chloromethane cylinder and then reduce the pressure. Open the container and decant the yellow liquid. Wash the white solid with acetone (3 × 25 mL, with stirring). Dry the solid in a vacuum in the high-viscosity mixer at 40 °C and then overnight in a vacuum oven at 70 °C. The white solid is water-soluble under acidic, neutral, and basic conditions.

[0160] IR(ATR,cm -1 ): 3056, 3021, 2922, 2851, 1765, 1687, 1599, 1491, 1448, 1398, 1344, 1310, 1213, 1178, 1141, 1060, 1027, 956, 906, 751, 697 (seeFigure 23 )。

[0161] Particle Size Measurement

[0162] The particle size of the stable NanoNet was measured using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano Series instrument. TM The sample was diluted to 0.1% (based on the SMA Quat 725 concentration), and measurements were made using a polystyrene cuvette. The average of three repeated measurements is reported herein.

[0163] Viscosity Measurement

[0164] At ambient temperature, the viscosity of the polymer was measured using a Brookfield DV-II+Pro viscometer with a vane rotor S07 at a speed of 30 or 60 revolutions per minute (rpm). To report the viscosity, the sample was sheared until the viscosity measurement reached a steady state. After 2 minutes, the viscosity measurement was recorded and reported.

[0165] Preparation of Cationic Polyacrylamide (CPAM) Solution

[0166] Dry CPAM (835, 853, 859, Hyperdrill TM CP911, Hyperdrill TM CP911H) mixtures were prepared to have 2%, 3%, or 5% w / v of CPAM in distilled (DI) water. For example, in a 2% stock solution, 2 g of the corresponding PAM was weighed and slowly added to 98 mL of deionized (DI) water under constant high-speed mixing at 800 - 900 rpm to disperse the cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) throughout the solution. After mixing for 5 minutes, the speed was reduced to 400 rpm and the solution was mixed for 2 hours to fully incorporate the cationic polyacrylamide into the solution. For in-tank dosing tests, the cationic polyacrylamide solution was diluted to 0.2% CPAM in DI water and vortexed until homogeneous.

[0167] Preparation of Cationic Polymer Surfactant Aggregate Solution

[0168] To prepare the cationic polymer surfactant aggregates, called "NanoNet TM " solution, SMA Quat 725 and different SMA QuatPolymers (such as cumene-capped, non-cumene-capped, 130, 150, 230, 725) were dissolved in DI water and refluxed at 90 °C for 3 hours to obtain 2 wt% or 5 wt% solutions, respectively. The surfactant TC CAB 35 (30% stock solution in water) or Triton TM X-305 (70% concentration in water) was added to the SMA Quat 725 solution to obtain the desired final concentrations of 1 wt% or 2.5 wt%, respectively, and mixed for 2 minutes. Poly-glycerol surfactants (caprylate, laurate, stearate) were added, vortexed and heated at 60 °C for 10 minutes, and cooled to ambient temperature.

[0169] CPAM:NanoNet TM Preparation of solution

[0170] Samples were prepared by thoroughly mixing appropriate amounts of NanoNet TM (NN) with cationic CPAM solutions (prepared at 2%, 3%, 5% concentrations) at final CPAM:NN ratios of 1:0.25, 1:0.4, 1:0.6, and 1:1%. The mixtures were then vortexed, defoamed and equilibrated overnight. All samples were homogeneous before testing. These samples were used for viscosity measurements.

[0171] Samples were diluted to a constant CPAM concentration for flocculation tank testing. The 2% CPAM stock sample was diluted to a final CPAM concentration of 0.2%; in CPAM:NN made with 3% CPAM stock solution, the sample was diluted to a final CPAM concentration of 0.3%; in CPAM:NN made with 5% CPAM stock solution, the sample was diluted to a final CPAM concentration of 0.5%. Unless otherwise stated, NanoNet TM A consists of [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2] wt / vol (NN A ) and NanoNet TM B consists of [SMA Quat 725]:[Tween TM 20]:[APG][5]:[2]:[2.5] wt / vol% (NN B ).

[0172] Preparation of Kaolin Aqueous Matrix

[0173] A kaolin mixture consisting of 0.3% kaolin (Ward’s Science, CAS#1332-58-7, 42 g) was added to 14 L of tap water at 20 °C and mixed at 200 - 300 rpm until dispersed.

[0174] Coagulation Test in 0.3% Kaolin Water

[0175] Coagulation tests were conducted to determine the flocculation ability of NN. In a jar test configuration, different doses of NN were added to six beakers, each containing 400 mL of 0.3% kaolin. The mixture was stirred at 200 rpm for 2 minutes and then at 30 rpm for an additional minute. The longer the mixing time, the better the coagulation effect on the suspended kaolin particles during the coagulation process. After sedimentation for 5 minutes, the turbidity of the supernatant was measured using an EXTECH instrument TB400 turbidimeter.

[0176] Jar Test and Performance Test

[0177] Using a VELP Scientifica JLT6 flocculation tester, jar tests were conducted using 400 mL of 0.3% kaolin or diluted water matrices A, B, C (diluted 1 / 60 with tap water) in 600 mL beakers. Diluted CPAM or CPAM:NN solutions were added to water matrices A, B, or C respectively via a Hamilton glass syringe or 1 mL plastic syringe. Then the jars were mixed at 200 rpm for 1 minute. Then mixing was stopped and the mixture in the jars was allowed to settle for 45 seconds. The last minute of the process was recorded and analyzed using video analysis to determine the relative settling rate of each corresponding jar, which was then plotted against the CPAM dose.

[0178] The flocculation of concentrated water matrices A, B, or C (5 mL of water matrix mixed in 45 mL of tap water, total volume of 50 mL) was tested by adding the required amount of diluted CPAM or CPAM:NN and inverting the sample bottle after each addition until floc formation occurred. The optimal floc dose was reported where visible flocs and phase separation of the water matrix were observed.

[0179] In the case of an oily sludge system (water matrix D), the matrix water was diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1 and continuously stirred. Then, 10 mL of the diluted matrix water was transferred to a 15 mL centrifuge tube and diluted CPAM or CPAM:NN was added to determine the optimal dose for fully flocculating the sludge. To facilitate stirring and flocculation, the falcon centrifuge tube was gently inverted 20 times after adding the flocculant. The drainage rate of the sludge over time was recorded using a sieve with a pore size of 100 microns. The volume of water drained into a graduated cylinder was recorded at different time intervals from 10 seconds to 60 minutes. The turbidity of the drained water was measured using an EXTECH instrument TB400 turbidimeter.

[0180] NanoNet TM Rheological properties of the solution

[0181] For rheometer measurements, a Thermo HAAKE Rheoscope 1 rheometer was used with a rotor geometry of 20 mm diameter and 1° cone angle (C20 / 1). Experiments were conducted at ambient temperature with a strain amplitude of 0.001 - 10 and a frequency of 1 Hz.

[0182] Water Composition

[0183] By forming a mass balance, the solids content of different water matrices was measured according to the following formula: (net weight of dry sample / original weight of sample) * 100 (Hamilton, D., & Zhang, H. (2011). Solids content of wastewater and manure. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service)

[0184] Aqueous Matrix A

[0185] Water matrix A is mature fine tailings water purchased from the Canada Oil Sands Innovation Alliance with a net solids content of 34.7%.

[0186] Table 1. Dissolved cations in water matrix A.

[0187] Component Composition (mg / L) Na 737.3-815.4 Al 34.7-43.3 Si 104.1-173.5 Fe 34.7-60.7 Mg 17.3 Ca 52.0-60.7

[0188] Aqueous Matrix B

[0189] Water matrix B is mature fine tailings water purchased from the Canada Oil Sands Innovation Alliance with a net solids content of 38.2%.

[0190] Table 2. Dissolved cations in water matrix B.

[0191] Component Composition (mg / L) Na 754.4-783.1 Al 105.0 Si 114.6-124.1 Fe 57.3-66.8 Mg 19.1 Ca 38.2-66.85

[0192] Aqueous Matrix C

[0193] Water matrix C is mature fine tailings water purchased from the Canada Oil Sands Innovation Alliance with a net solids content of 34.4%.

[0194] Table 3. Dissolved cations in water matrix C.

[0195] Component Composition (mg / L) Al 266.6±60.2 Si 782.6±172 Fe 77.4±17.2 Mg 8.6-17.2 Ca 43-51.6

[0196] Aqueous Matrix D

[0197] The aqueous matrix D is mature fine tailings water purchased from the Canada Oil Sands Innovation Alliance, with a net solids content of 17.9%.

[0198] Table 4. Dissolved cations in aqueous matrix D.

[0199] Component Composition (mg / L) Na 2331.4 Mg 26.8 Fe 71.6 Ca 187.9

[0200] Synthetic Water

[0201] In the jar test configuration, synthetic kaolin water was used to evaluate the flocculation performance. A kaolin mixture consisting of 0.3% kaolin (Ward’s Science, CAS# 1332-58-7) was prepared in tap water.

[0202] ICP Analysis

[0203] The water samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) using an Agilent 5110 spectrometer. Samples were digested by treating 0.5 mL of the aqueous matrix with 1 mL of 70% nitric acid and heating in a water bath at 60 °C for 45 minutes. After digestion, the samples were diluted with 3.5 mL of 1 M nitric acid and analyzed. The ICP was set to a radial viewing mode of 8 mm and standard intelligent quantitative readings. The chemical composition of the samples was detected and reported on a mg / L basis. The sample waters A-D were diluted to achieve a final solids concentration of 0.04%.

[0204] Image Analysis Description

[0205] An image analysis software is used to quantify the apparent relative sedimentation rate of flocculated solids in a standard jar test apparatus. During laboratory-scale testing, jar tests are often used to qualitatively compare the solid separation effects of two or more flocculants. This image analysis program provides a robust and simple method to quantitatively compare the efficacy of different flocculants via the relative sedimentation rate measured on the full-dose curve. A camera (Angetube 920U) is used to take sedimentation videos after the addition of the flocculant and sample mixing, and all camera settings (such as exposure) are manually set. The camera parameters are configured to maximize the contrast between the turbid raw water sample and the background behind the beaker. To measure the relative sedimentation rate, over time, a region of interest (ROI) that spans the width of the beaker and is located between the top of the fluid and the top of the stirring paddle is tracked. Based on this ROI, the average grayscale pixel intensity is measured at each time point. The average grayscale pixel intensity is a measure of brightness and provides an indicator of water transparency. Then, the average grayscale pixel intensity values that change over time (the relationship between effective water transparency and time) are fitted to a sigmoid function to determine the slope parameter coefficient, which is an indicator of the relative sedimentation rate. The software is not calibrated to estimate floc size, but it can generally be inferred that for the tested system, larger flocs result in a faster relative sedimentation rate.

[0206] Stability Analysis and Shelf Life

[0207] The accelerated shelf life brings the climatic conditions to more extreme levels to compress the required test time. This is achieved by applying the Arrhenius equation to determine the time acceleration rate based on the increased temperature. The accelerated aging process is based on the relationship between temperature and reaction rate, where an increase in temperature increases the reaction rate. According to the ASTM-F1980 standard, using Q 10= 2.0, storing at 55 °C for 5.3 weeks is equivalent to storing the product at 22 °C for 1 year (Bandara, P.C., et al. (2019). Impact of water chemistry, shelf-life, and regeneration in the removal of different chemical and biological contaminants in water by a model Polymeric Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Membrane Coating. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 32, 100967). The samples were tightly sealed in glass vials and stored at 55 °C to simulate up to 6 months of storage, and the viscosity / efficiency of the samples in 0.3% kaolin compared to the fresh samples was measured.

[0208] Example 1: Adding a polyglycerol surfactant to a cationic amphiphilic copolymer to increase the diameter of the cationic polymer surfactant aggregates is beneficial to the coagulation effect.

[0209] Table 5: At 5 ppm of [SMA Quat 725]:[stabilizing surfactant]:[size-modifying surfactant], the diameter of the cationic polymer surfactant aggregates and the turbidity removal of 0.3% kaolin. The particle aggregate diameter was measured using a Malvern ZetaSizer. The turbidity removal rate of kaolin (1100 - 1200 NTU) was determined by a jar test.

[0210]

[0211]

[0212] The results of Example 1 are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Table 5, and describe the effect of the polyglycerol caprylate surfactant on the diameter of the cationic NanoNet TM [SMA Quat 725]:[stabilizing surfactant] (using TX305 as the stabilizing surfactant). Table 5 shows that Triton TMIn the X305 (TX305) system, size-modified surfactants with an HLB value below 14 cause significant particle swelling because the addition of PG3-C and PG10-S results in an increase in the diameter of polymer-surfactant aggregates. As the polymer-surfactant aggregates begin to swell, the coagulation performance is maximized; as seen by the maximum performance in removing kaolin turbidity. It appears that the larger the diameter of the cationic polymer-surfactant aggregates, the better the sedimentation effect of the particles.

[0213] After adding various size-modified polyglycerol surfactants at different concentrations, the cationic NanoNet composed of SMA Quat 725 and TX305 in a ratio of [5]:[2.5]% was measured for the diameter of particle aggregates. The addition of the PG3-C surfactant most significantly increased the diameter of the particle aggregates. A PG3-C surfactant concentration exceeding 5% may cause aggregate formation. The optimal PG3-C surfactant concentration determined based on this example was 2%. The addition of PG6-C and PG10-C surfactants up to a surfactant concentration of 3% showed little increase in the diameter of the particle aggregates. TM The coagulation efficacy of [SMA

[0214] 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C] was tested at different PG3-C surfactant concentrations. Quat The turbidity removal of [SMA Figure 2 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[0-5]% against 0.3% kaolin was illustrated at various cationic NanoNet TM dosages in a jar test configuration. The composition with 2% PG3-C achieved the highest coagulation efficiency and showed the lowest turbidity value. The addition of a coagulant at a concentration of 7.5 ppm in kaolin water showed the lowest turbidity value of 4.8 - 5 NTU. It was found that the formulation that first exhibited particle size growth had improved coagulation efficacy; [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]%. Quat

[0215] Example 2: After adding cationic polymer-surfactant aggregates, the performance of cationic polyacrylamides with different charge densities was improved.

[0216] The results of Example 2 are shown in Tables 6A to 6D and Figure 3 in. Tables 6A to 6D: Adding NanoNet on a diluted water matrix A (1 / 60 dilution) TMAfterwards, the improvement of CPAMs with different charge densities. CPAM 835 is a cationic polyacrylamide with medium charge density and high molecular weight. CPAM 853 is a cationic polyacrylamide with very high charge density and high molecular weight. CPAM 859 is a cationic polyacrylamide with extremely high charge density and high molecular weight. CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911 and CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911H (desalting polymer), both having a charge density of 80% and medium molecular weight, are cationic polyacrylamide polymers. All CPAMs were made into 2% wt. stock solutions and NanoNet TM was added to obtain the desired ratio of CPAM:NN. NanoNet TM contains [SMA Quat 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C][5]:[2.5]:[2]%.

[0217] Table 6A

[0218]

[0219] Table 6B

[0220]

[0221] Table 6C

[0222]

[0223] Table 6D

[0224]

[0225] Tables 6A to 6D list the influence of the NanoNet TM ratio on the flocculation efficiency of CPAMs that differ in the charge density of the CPAM. Improvement (%) is based on the relative sedimentation rate difference between using CPAM alone and CPAM:NN after flocculation with diluted aqueous matrix A. The results show that the performance of the flocculant increases with increasing NN A concentration until the system is saturated, at which point further addition of NN A does not improve the flocculation performance. Additionally, adding NanoNet TM A to the lower charge density CPAM 835 appears to show the greatest improvement (43 - 61%, Table 6A).

[0226] Figure 3Illustrates the relative sedimentation rate of medium charge CPAM 835, and the promotion by adding NanoNet at a ratio of 1:0.25 in kaolin. TM The results show that the performance of CPAM:NN has a 50% improvement compared to CPAM alone to achieve the same relative sedimentation rate (calculated based on ppm relative sedimentation rate at different CPAM dosages).

[0227] Example 3: Rheological changes of cationic polyacrylamide in combination with cationic polymer surfactant aggregates.

[0228] The results of Example 3 are shown in Figure 4 below. Figure 4 Illustrates the rheological properties of CPAM Hyperdrill TM at different NanoNet TM ratios of CP911H, determined by Young's modulus and loss modulus. The slope of the Han plot G’ / G” indicates significant microstructural changes, where materials with G’>G” show a highly structured matrix (Li, C. et al. 2017. SiC-fixed organophilic mon TM orillonite hybrids for poly(phenylene sulfide) composites with enhanced oxidation resistance. RSC advances, 7(74), 46678 - 46689). The results show that increasing the concentration of NanoNet TM solution in the CPAM gel reduces the solid-like behavior in the network. The viscosity is also verified by the decrease in viscosity value, where the viscosity of 2% CPAM (3100 cP) is reduced to 2500 cP by adding CPAM:NN 1:0.3%. The viscosity is measured at 60 rpm. When the flocculant formulation is applied by a metering pump, the decrease in viscosity is beneficial for dosing and material handling.

[0229] Example 4: Floc stability of cationic polyacrylamide in combination with cationic polymer surfactant aggregates over time under shear

[0230] The results of Example 4 are shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 and Table 7. Overall, it shows that the system containing the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate "NanoNet TM A" exhibits improved floc strength.

[0231] Table 7: Sheared CPAM859:NN measured by turbidity of the supernatant of water matrix A after floc sedimentationA and CPAM859:NN A Floc stability over time. Flocs were initially formed, and turbidity was measured immediately after sedimentation. Then the flocs were sheared for 5 minutes and sedimented to measure turbidity. In the final step, the flocs were sheared for another 5 minutes and sedimented to measure turbidity. Shearing was performed at 200 rpm in this experiment. CPAM 835 is a cationic polyacrylamide with medium charge density and high molecular weight. CPAM 853 is a cationic polyacrylamide with very high charge density and high molecular weight. All CPAMs were prepared as 2% wt. stock solutions and added with NN A to obtain the desired CPAM:NN A ratio. NN A containing [SMA Quat 725:TX305:PG3-C][5:2.5:2]%.

[0232]

[0233]

[0234] Table 7 and Figure 5 illustrate the relationship between floc strength and shear over time in dilution water matrix A. Flocs were initially formed, sedimented, sheared for 5 minutes and sedimented, and then sheared for another 5 minutes and sedimented after adding CPAM or CPAM:NN A . Turbidity and relative sedimentation rate results for these three stages were reported. After 10 minutes of shearing, little change in turbidity was observed for the CPAM:NN A samples. However, the flocs formed by CPAM alone broke over time and the turbidity increased. Adding NanoNet TM to the CPAM system also helped maintain a higher relative sedimentation rate (see Figure 5 ). Flocs formed from three different CPAM:NN A ratios appeared to be less prone to breakage due to shear over time.

[0235] Example 5: Adding the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate "NanoNet TM " provided a similar enhancement to the performance of cationic polyacrylamides at different concentrations.

[0236] The results of Example 5 are illustrated in Figure 6 . Figure 6 illustrates the effect of CPAM concentration on the relative sedimentation rate in dilution water matrix A in the case of different ratios of NanoNet TM . Adding NanoNet TMIt will continuously improve the relative sedimentation rate at lower CPAM concentrations, regardless of the CPAM concentration (3 - 6%).

[0237] Example 6: Improvement in the required dosage of cationic polyacrylamide combined with cationic polymer surfactant aggregates in the flocculation of concentrated mature fine tailings and oily sludge.

[0238] The results of Example 6 are shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 . Figure 7 Illustrates the flocculation of water matrix D at the optimal dosage. Addition of NN A reduced the consumption of CPAM 911H by 47.5%, and when adding NN A , the turbidity of the filtrate after sludge drainage / dewatering also showed a lower value. Figure 8 Illustrates the optimal dosage required for complete flocculation of concentrated water matrix C (1:1 dilution). The results show that the higher the concentration of NanoNet TM A in the system, the lower the consumption of CPAM 911H (the optimal dosage decreased from 297 ppm to 162 ppm). The drainage or dewatering experiment( Figure 8 of B) also shows that the addition of NanoNet TM A improves drainage, which is an important parameter in sludge dewatering applications. The best-performing mixture appears to be CPAM911H:NN A (1:0.25) ratio.

[0239] Example 7: Stability and shelf life of cationic polyacrylamide combined with cationic polymer surfactant aggregate "NanoNet TM "

[0240] The results of Example 7 are illustrated in Figure 9 . Figure 9 The shelf life and stability of CPAM911H:NN A were evaluated in an accelerated aging environment (1 day at 55°C = 10 days at room temperature). The stability of the samples was tested with 0.3% kaolin. Adding NanoNet TM A to CPAM 911H forms a stable product with minimal changes in efficacy and viscosity for up to 5 months, while the product of CPAM alone starts to show obvious signs of degradation after 50 days.

[0241] Example 8: Formulating cationic polymer surfactant aggregates with sustainable surfactants.

[0242] The results of Example 8 are shown in Figure 10 and Table 8. Table 8 lists the formation of green NanoNet TMSustainable surfactant screening. At 5 ppm [SMA Quat 725]: Aggregate diameter of 0.3% kaolin particles and turbidity removal rate after 5 minutes of sedimentation in [surfactant]. Aggregate diameter of particles measured by ZetaSizer and turbidity removal rate of turbidity (1100 - 1200 NTU) with respect to kaolin alone measured by jar test.

[0243] Table 8

[0244]

[0245]

[0246] *Sample aggregation. Inaccurate particle size measurement.

[0247] **Sample aggregation. Inaccurate particle size measurement.

[0248] Table 8 provides evidence for SMA Quat 725 5% interacting with different green surfactants to form green NanoNet TM in 0.3% kaolin. Turbidity removal was tested and the reduction in turbidity after sedimentation was reported. The HLB value of SPAN 20 is 8.6, Tween TM 20 is 17, Tween TM 40 is 15 - 16, Tween TM 60 is 14.9, Tween TM 80 is 15, Tween TM 85 is 11, APG is 12 - 13 ((Iglauer, S., Wu, Y., Shuler, P. J., Blanco, M., Tang, Y., & Goddard, W. A. (2004, April). Alkyl polyglycoside surfactants for improved oil recovery. SPE / DOE Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery. OnePetro). As expected, the high - HLB surfactant Tween TM 20 provides the most stable and smallest aggregate diameter of particles (about 20 nm, Table 8). The particle size increases with the increase in the effective HLB value (SPAN 20 > Tween TM 85 > APG > Tween TM 60 > Tween TM 80 > Tween TM 40 > TweenTM 20). It was found that surfactants with an HLB value below 12 would eventually aggregate, while surfactants with an HLB of 12 to 15 began to gel at higher concentrations (close to 3%); it was confirmed that these surfactants were not effective stabilizing surfactants. To form a balanced NanoNet TM ; in the experiments presented in Table 8, APG (Triton TM CG-110) was selected as the size-modifying surfactant due to its low HLB value, high turbidity removal rate, and large particle aggregate diameter. Tween TM 20 was selected as the stabilizing surfactant because of its strong stabilizing effect and smaller particle size. Therefore, in the next part, a system containing SMA Quat 725, Tween TM 20 and APG (as the stabilizing surfactant and size-modifying surfactant respectively) was formed and optimized. Overall, the results shown above indicate that surfactants with HLB > 14 - 15 are suitable as stabilizing surfactants. Surfactants with HLB < 14 - 15 are used as size-modifying surfactants.

[0249] Figure 10 It is illustrated that adding a higher amount of APG in the [SMA Quat 725]:[Tween TM 20] 5:2% system results in larger particle sizes of NanoNet TM . However, the sample solidified when APG > 2.5%, indicating that the surfactant balance in NanoNet TM is important for stability and activity.

[0250] Example 9: Improvement in the performance of cationic polyacrylamide mixed with green cationic polymer surfactant aggregates (NanoNet TM B).

[0251] The results of Example 9 are shown in Figures 11 to 20 and Table 9. Table 9: CPAM Hyperdrill TM CP911H:NN (1:0.25% ratio), where [SMA Quat 725]:[Tween TM 20] 5:2% and various [APG] ratios of 1 - 3%, at 18 ppm in dilution water matrix A (diluted 1 to 60).

[0252] Table 9

[0253]

[0254] Table 9 shows that adding up to 2.5% of APG in the [SMA Quat 725]:[Tween TM 20][5]:[2]% system increases the relative sedimentation rate of CPAM 853 at a constant concentration. Due to the aggregation of the samples, the improvement decreases at [APG] 3%, highlighting the importance of NanoNet TM stability during the formulation process.

[0255] Figure 11 Illustrates the advantage of adding NanoNet TM to CPAM 853 in matrix water B. The results show that in order to achieve a constant relative sedimentation rate, the performance is improved by 50%. Figure 12 Shows the dosages required to completely flocculate water matrix D (750 ppm for CPAM 853, CPAM 853:NN B (1:0.25 ratio) is 575 ppm, CPAM 853:NN (1:0.5 ratio) is 400 ppm). As the ratio of NanoNet TM B in the formulation increases, the consumption of CPAM decreases by 46.7%. Figure 13 Illustrates the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of SMA-I and quaternized SMA-I (SMA Quat 725). Figure 14 Is the Quat H NMR spectrum of SMA-I and SMA 1 725 products. The analysis was carried out in DMSO-d6, 400 MHz. The asterisk indicates the residual solvent. Figure 11 : The Quat C NMR spectrum of SMA-I and SMA 13 725 products. The analysis was carried out in DMSO-d6, 400 MHz. The asterisk indicates the solvent. The observed residual dimethylformamide is at 35.7 ppm and 30.7 ppm. Figure 16 Is the FTIR of [SMA Quat 725]I FTIR (cm -1 ): 3381, 3027, 2937, 2857, 1769, 1690, 1490, 1452, 1400, 1349, 1180, 1141, 1027, 962, 919, 759, 699. Figure 17 Is the Quat H NMR spectrum of SMA 1 725I. The analysis was carried out in DMSO-d6. 11H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.11, 7.09, 6.63, 5.36, 5.35, 5.34, 3.91, 3.35, 3.10, 3.07, 3.07, 3.06, 2.99, 2.96, 2.73, 2.27, 2.25, 2.23, 1.97, 1.96, 1.86, 1.85, 1.80, 1.77, 1.77, 1.75, 1.74, 1.74, 1.64, 1.54. Figure 18 is SMA Quat of 725I 13 13C NMR spectrum. Analyzed in DMSO-d6. 13 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): 210.8, 210.3, 136.1, 128.1, 122.4, 70.6, 62.7, 57.6, 52.2, 43.0, 41.6, 41.3, 34.5, 31.4, 27.8, 27.1, 26.6, 26.4, 24.7, 24.3, 24.3, 22.4, 22.0, 21.3. Figure 19 is SMA Quat Fourier transform infrared spectrum of 725Cl. FTIR (cm -1 ): 3440, 3362, 3324, 3302, 3273, 3025, 2926, 2855, 1769, 1694, 1493, 1452, 1402, 1351, 1180, 1141, 1027, 964, 919, 755, 699. Figure 20 is SMA Quat 1H NMR spectrum of 725Cl 1 Analyzed in DMSO-d6. 1 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.10, 6.62, 5.34, 3.91, 3.34, 3.13, 3.09, 3.06, 3.00, 2.27, 2.25, 2.23, 1.96, 1.86, 1.85, 1.77, 1.77, 1.75, 1.74, 1.72, 1.65, 1.64, 1.54, 1.53. Figure 21 is SMA Quat 13C NMR spectrum of 725Cl 13 Analyzed in DMSO-d6. 13 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): 210.8, 210.3, 136.1, 122.5, 57.7, 52.1, 41.6, 41.3, 31.4, 27.1, 26.7, 26.4, 24.7, 24.3, 24.3, 22.4, 22.0, 20.9.

[0256] Example 10: Addition of cationic polymer surfactant aggregates in which the polymer has different end groups provides an improvement in the properties of cationic polyacrylamide.

[0257] The results of Example 10 are shown in Figure 24 . Figure 24 Illustrates the relative sedimentation rates of a 1:0.25 ratio of high charge CPAM 4808SSH and NN TM introduced into dilution water matrix A. In this example, NN A contains a similar formulation of [SMA A 725]:[TX305]:[PG3-C] 5:2.5:2, having different cationic polymer end groups, namely non-cumene-capped SMA Quat 725 and cumene-capped SMA Quat 725. The results show that the performance of CPAM:NN Quat prepared with cumene-capped SMA Quat 725 is improved by 37.5%, and the performance of CPM:NN A prepared with non-cumene-capped SMA Quat 725 is improved by 32.8%. The performance improvement is compared with that of individual CPAMs achieving the same relative sedimentation rate (calculated based on the ppm relative sedimentation rate at different CPAM dosages). A

[0258] Example 11: Enhanced flocculation performance of high charge density cationic polyacrylamide after addition of NanoNet TM containing cationic polymers with different hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratios (similar to surfactant aggregates)

[0259] Figure 25 Illustrates the relative sedimentation rates of a 1:0.25 ratio of high charge CPAM CP911H and NN TM introduced into dilution water matrix A. The effect of different hydrophobic:hydrophilic ratios in the SMA A polymers formulated in NN A is investigated herein, where the ratio of SMA Quat 725 is 3:1 and the molecular weight is at least 100,000 Da, the ratio of SMA Quat 130 is 2:1 and the molecular weight is at least 7,500 Da, the ratio of SMA Quat 150 is 1:1 and the molecular weight is at least 5,500 Da, and the ratio of SMA Quat 150 is 1:1 and the molecular weight is at least 5,500 Da. QuatThe ratio of 230 is 1:2 and the molecular weight is at least 27,000 Da. NN A Containing [SMA Quat X]:[TX305]:[PG3-C] of a similar preparation (SMA Quat X, where X is 725, 230, 130, 150)(5:2.5:2). Compare the sedimentation rate and dosage of CPAM with CPAM:NN A blend. After adding the NN containing SMA Quat 725, the performance is improved by 44%. After adding the NN containing SMA A 230, the performance is improved by 41.6%. After adding the NN containing SMA Quat 130, the performance is improved by 39.2%. And after adding the NN containing SMA A 230, the performance is improved by 41.6%. After adding the NN containing SMA Quat 130, the performance is improved by 39.2%. And after adding the NN containing SMA A 130, the performance is improved by 39.2%, and after adding the NN containing SMA Quat 150, the performance is improved by 27.2%. A After adding the NN containing SMA

[0260] Example 12: Formulate cationic polymer surfactant aggregates with sustainable surfactants.

[0261] Table 10

[0262]

[0263]

[0264] *Aggregation

[0265] Table 10 provides evidence of the interaction of SMA Quat 725 5% with different biodegradable surfactants to form green NanoNet TM The turbidity removal rate was tested in 0.3% kaolin, and the reduction of turbidity after sedimentation was reported. The HLB value of TG15-S-20 is 15.6, and the HLB value of TG 15-S-40 is 18 (Gala Marti, V., Coenen, A., & U. (2021). Synthesis of linoleic acid 13-hydroperoxides from safflower oil utilizing lipoxygenase in a coupled enzyme system with in-situ oxygen generation. Catalysts, 11(9), 1119), and the HLB value of BS N91-8 is 13.9. The high HLB surfactants TG 15-S-40 and TG 15-S-20 provided stable and small particle diameters (about 25 nm and 28 nm respectively, Table 10). The NanoNet system containing the surfactant BS N91-8 TM showed signs of gelation at higher ratios greater than [SMA Quat 725]:[BS N91-8] 5:2.

[0266] Overall, the results shown in Table 10 confirm that surfactants with HLB > 15 are suitable as stabilizing surfactants. Surfactants with HLB < 15 are not effective stabilizing surfactants.

[0267] Example 13: Formulation of sustainable cationic NanoNet with stabilizing and size-modifying surfactants TM .

[0268] Table 11

[0269]

[0270] To form a balanced sustainable NanoNet TM ; in the experiments presented in Table 8, APG (Triton TM CG-110) and PG3-C were selected as 2.5% size-modifying surfactants respectively due to their sustainability and biodegradability, low HLB values, high turbidity removal rates and large particle aggregate diameters. The surfactant TG 15-S-40 was selected as the stabilizing surfactant due to its green nature and biodegradability, high HLB value, strong stabilizing effect and small particle size. The HLB value of TG 15-S-40 is 18. The HLB value of this surfactant is very high and is expected to promote the generation of stable NanoNet TM . Therefore, systems containing SMA Quat 725, TG 15-S-40 and APG (as stabilizing and size-modifying surfactants respectively) and systems containing SMA QuatThe system of 725, TG 15-S-T0 and PG3-C (as stability surfactant and size modification surfactant respectively), see Table 11. The turbidity removal rate was tested in 0.3% kaolin, and the reduction of turbidity after sedimentation was reported.

[0271] Overall, the results shown in Table 11 indicate that if the HLB value of the stable surfactant > 15 and the HLB value of the size modification surfactant < 14, then green NanoNets are formed with various sustainable surfactants. TM .

[0272] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein, many adaptations and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention in accordance with the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art. These modifications include substituting known equivalents for any aspect of the present invention that achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same manner. Numerical ranges include the numbers defining the range. In addition, numerical ranges are provided such that in addition to specifically enumerating each value within the recited range in the absence of a range, the range of values is also enumerated. The term "comprising" is used herein as an open term and is substantially equivalent to the phrase "including but not limited to", and the term "comprises" has a corresponding meaning. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references. Thus, for example, reference to "a thing" includes more than one such thing. References cited herein do not imply admission that these references are prior art to the present invention. In addition, materials that appear in the background section of the specification do not imply admission that these materials are prior art to the present invention. Any priority document is incorporated herein by reference as if each individual priority document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and as if fully set forth herein. The present invention includes all embodiments and variations substantially as described above and with reference to the examples and drawings.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: a) A cationic block copolymer; and b) A cationic polyacrylamide having a charge density of 2% to 100%.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cationic block copolymer is selected from: styrene urethane block copolymers, limonene urethane block copolymers, limonene maleimide block copolymers, and styrene maleimide block copolymers, and combinations thereof.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cationic block copolymer is an amphiphilic polymer.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 5,000 Da.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 7,000 Da.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 27,000 Da.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cationic block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 100,000 Da.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cationic block copolymer comprises a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 3:

1.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cationic block copolymer comprises a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 2:

1.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cationic block copolymer comprises a ratio of hydrophobic groups: hydrophilic groups of about 1:

1.

11. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cationic block copolymer is SMA Quat .

12. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the cationic block copolymer is SMA Quat 725, SMA Quat 230, SMA Quat 130 or SMA Quat 150.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cationic block copolymer is part of a cationic polymeric surfactant aggregate, and the polymeric surfactant aggregate further comprises a stabilizing surfactant and a size-modifying surfactant.

14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the stabilizing surfactant and the size-modifying surfactant are each independently selected from at least one of the following: i) Nonionic surfactants; ii) Cationic surfactants; and iii) Zwitterionic surfactants.

15. The composition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the stabilizing surfactant comprises at least one of the following: ethoxylated amine, quaternary ammonium salt, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, Tergitol TM 15-S-20, Tergitol TM 15-S-40, or 2-[4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy]ethanol (C 14 H 22 O(C2H4O) n , having the chemical formula: where n = 4 - 5, 9, 10 or 30), or a mixture thereof.

16. The composition according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the size-modifying surfactant is at least one selected from the following: alkyl polyglycosides, lipids, oils, polyglycerol 3-caprylate, nonionic surfactants, sugar-derived surfactants, glycidyl-derived surfactants, fatty alcohol-derived surfactants, nonionic surfactants, sugar polyoxyethylene combination surfactants, sugar ester surfactants, sulfonated sugar-based surfactants, aldosamide-based surfactants, amidosugar-based surfactants, amino alcohol surfactants, amino acid-based surfactants, polyol surfactants, 1,2-diol surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

17. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 10% to 100%.

18. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 2% - 19%, 20% - 40%, 60% - 79%, 80% - 100% and combinations thereof.

19. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 30%.

20. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 40%.

21. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 50%.

22. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 80%.

23. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer has a charge density of 90%.

24. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has a molecular weight of 2×10 6 Da to 12×10 6 Da.

25. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has a molecular weight of 5×10 6 Da to 12×10 6 Da.

26. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide has a molecular weight of 5×10 6 Da to 8×10 6 Da.

27. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM 835, CPAM 853, CPAM 611, CPAM 911, CPAM 911H, CPAM 4808SSH and combinations thereof.

28. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the cationic polyacrylamide polymer is selected from CPAM 835, CPAM 853, CPAM 911, CPAM 911H, CPAM 4808SSH and combinations thereof.

29. A method for removing solids from a solid-liquid mixture, the method comprising: a) mixing a cationic polyacrylamide polymer with a cationic polymer surfactant aggregate to form a conditioned flocculant; b) stirring the conditioned flocculant together with the solid-liquid mixture to form a stirred mixture; and c) removing the solids from the stirred mixture.

30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising mixing a stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the mixing of the stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate occurs before the mixing of the cationic polyacrylamide polymer with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the mixing of the stabilizing surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate and the mixing of the cationic polyacrylamide polymer with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate occur simultaneously.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, further comprising mixing a size-modifying surfactant with the cationic polymer surfactant aggregate.

34. A method for removing solids from a solid-liquid mixture, the method comprising: a) adding the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 28 to the solid-liquid mixture; b) stirring the solid-liquid mixture together with the composition to form a stirred mixture; and c) removing the solids from the stirred mixture.

35. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the removal of the solids comprises at least one selected from the following: filtration, centrifugation, gravitational separation, flotation, skimming, and electromagnetic attraction.

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