Acrylamide monomer is very stable at room temperature, but it is easy to polymerize when it is at or above the melting point, under oxidizing conditions, and under the action of ultraviolet rays. When heated to dissolve, acrylamide releases strong corrosive gases and nitrogen oxide compounds.
Acrylamide is the raw material for the production of polyacrylamide. It is mainly used for water purification, pulp processing, and inner coating of pipelines. It is also used for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Starchy foods are prone to produce acrylamide when cooked at high temperatures (>120℃).
Acrylamide is widely used in the industrial field. It is a raw material for the production of polyacrylamide. It is also used as a raw material for medicine, pesticides, dyes, coatings, etc. In addition, acrylamide is also a recognized neurotoxin and a possible human carcinogen. Acrylamide may be produced during food processing, especially when starch-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures, so controlling the cooking temperature and time can reduce its generation.
