Polymers containing styrene and unsaturated polycarboxylates as monomers for high stressed water treatment application

摘要

A method for inhibiting scale formation in wholly or partly aqueous systems under stressed conditions characterized by a Langelier Saturation Index value of greater than 2.5, or a Ryznar Stability Index value of less than 4.5, said method comprising adding to the aqueous system a styrene polycarboxylate, said styrene polycarboxylate is prepared by solution polymerizing: (i) 1 to 60 mole percent of a monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, substituted-styrene and combinations thereof, (ii) 20 to 80 mole percent of a monocarboxylic acid monomer, and (iii) 30 to 80 mole percent of a dicarboxylic acid monomer, in the presence of a water-miscible solvent to form a styrene polycarboxylate solution containing acid moieties, wherein the mole percents are based on the total moles of monomer used to prepare the styrene polycarboxylate. The styrene polycarboxylates of the invention inhibit scale formation, and/or inhibit corrosion of metals, and/or facilitate dispersion of particulate matter, in aqueous systems.