DADMAC is a cationic monomer widely used in water treatment, papermaking, textiles, and personal care for its reactivity and solubility. Available in 60–90% aqueous solutions, selecting the right concentration ensures performance, cost-efficiency, and compliance.

Diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride(DADMAC)

Understanding DADMAC: Chemical Overview

Diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride(DADMAC), with the chemical formula C8H16ClN, is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with high cationic charge density. It polymerizes readily and forms homopolymers or copolymers (e.g., with acrylamide), which are key to flocculation, retention, antistatic, and conditioning functions. The typical properties of DADMAC solutions vary based on concentration:

Concentration Viscosity (mPa·s @25°C) Density (g/cm³) pH (20°C, 10% solution) Appearance
60% ~10–50 ~1.05–1.07 5.0–7.0 Colorless liquid
70% ~100–250 ~1.08–1.10 5.0–7.0 Clear liquid
80% ~300–600 ~1.12–1.14 5.0–7.0 Thick liquid
90% ~800–1200 ~1.16–1.18 5.0–7.0 Viscous syrup

As concentration increases, so do viscosity and reactivity, affecting how DADMAC behaves in different systems.

60% Concentration DADMAC

Key Features

  • Low viscosity for easy handling and dosing
  • Suitable for continuous feed applications
  • Economical for low-reactivity needs

Typical Applications

  • Water Treatment: Used in municipal and industrial wastewater flocculation, especially where low polymerization rates are acceptable.
  • Textile Finishing: Offers basic antistatic and softening properties in diluted formulations.
  • Cosmetics: Ideal for leave-on hair and skin care products where a mild cationic charge is needed.

Pros


Cons

  • Easier pumping and mixing due to low viscosity

  • Safer handling due to lower active concentration

  • Compatible with low-temperature processing

  • Requires a higher dosage to achieve the same effect as higher concentrations

  • Less efficient in high-ionic-strength systems

  • Shorter shelf life in some humid storage environments

Ideal Users:

  • Water treatment plants with automated dosing
  • Cosmetic formulators aiming for gentle cationic activity
  • Low-volume or small-batch manufacturers

70% Concentration DADMAC

Key Features

  • Balanced performance and stability
  • Moderate viscosity, manageable with standard equipment
  • Widely available and cost-effective

Typical Applications

  • Paper Industry: Commonly used in wet-end additives and retention aids.
  • Wastewater Treatment: Effective in oil-water separation and sludge dewatering.
  • Hair Care Products: Provides detangling, conditioning, and film-forming effects.

Pros


Cons

  • Good compromise between activity and ease of use

  • Stable storage and longer shelf-life than 60%

  • Suitable for both homopolymer and copolymer production

  • May still require dilution for some formulations

  • Moderate viscosity might challenge fine spray or low-pressure systems

Ideal Users

  • Paper mills are looking for strong retention without high reactivity
  • Personal care manufacturers need consistent quality and pricing
  • Mid-size chemical companies producing water treatment agents

80% Concentration DADMAC

Key Features

  • High reactivity and concentration
  • More efficient monomer for polymerization
  • Increased ionic strength per unit volume

Typical Applications

  • Flocculant Manufacturing: Used as a monomer for producing high-molecular-weight cationic polymers.
  • Antistatic Agents: Provide stronger binding to fiber surfaces in textiles.
  • Water Recycling Systems: Effective in removing suspended solids and organics.

Pros


Cons

  • Lower usage required per application compared to 60–70%

  • Better polymer conversion yields

  • Enhanced efficiency in treating oily and industrial effluents

  • Requires heating or special pumps for handling due to viscosity

  • Higher safety precautions required (gloves, ventilation)

  • Costlier due to increased active content and shipping density

Ideal Users

  • Polymer producers focusing on performance-grade water treatment chemicals
  • Textile processors dealing with heavy-duty antistatic demands
  • Industrial wastewater treatment facilities require high-floc strength

90% Concentration DADMAC

Key Features

  • Ultra-high purity and charge density
  • Viscous, syrup-like liquid often requires dilution before use
  • Tailored for advanced polymer synthesis and export markets

Typical Applications

  • PolyDADMAC Synthesis: Directly used in high-efficiency water treatment polymer production.
  • Specialty Coatings: Used in electroconductive and antistatic coatings.
  • High-end Personal Care: For rinse-off and leave-on products needing maximum cationic performance.

Pros


Cons

  • Highest efficiency—lowest volume per use

  • Ideal for export due to reduced shipping water weight

  • Extended shelf life with proper storage

  • Very high viscosity makes it hard to pump or meter

  • Not suitable for direct consumer product formulations without processing

  • Strict storage and transportation requirements

Ideal Users

  • Large-scale polymer manufacturers
  • Export-oriented businesses require concentrated solutions
  • Specialty chemicals firms customizing formulations for demanding markets

Comparison Summary

Feature 60% DADMAC 70% DADMAC 80% DADMAC 90% DADMAC
Viscosity Low Moderate High Very High
Ease of Handling Excellent Good Moderate Low
Polymer Yield Low Medium High Very High
Cost per KG (delivered) Low Moderate High Very High
Ideal for Basic use Balanced Advanced Specialty
Shelf Life Short Medium Long Long
Storage Needs Minimal Standard Cool/dry Controlled

How to Choose the Right DADMAC Concentration

Consider Your End Use

  • For direct use in cosmetics or light conditioning, 60% or 70% is sufficient.
  • For flocculant synthesis or intense industrial treatment, 80% or 90% is better.

Evaluate Your Equipment Capabilities

  • Standard pumps and dosing systems handle 60%–70 % well.
  • High-viscosity 80%–90 % solutions may need heating or high-pressure pumps.

Factor in Total Cost of Ownership

  • 60% may be cheaper per kilogram, but less efficient, leading to higher consumption.
  • 80%–90% have better performance but higher upfront material and handling costs.

Regulatory and Environmental Requirements

  • In cosmetics, limits on cationic charge or preservatives may dictate concentration.
  • For wastewater, treatment goals and discharge thresholds will affect product selection.

Supply Chain and Storage

  • 90% offers savings in transportation cost per unit of active ingredient, but needs advanced storage infrastructure.
  • 60%–70 % grades are more readily available and easier to store without degradation.

By understanding the technical and practical differences between concentrations, we, as professional manufacturers and formulators, can maximize the value of DADMAC for your specific application.