UCARFLOC™ polymers are water-soluble, high–molecular weight polyethylene oxide polymers. They exhibit an excellent affinity for silica, mechanical pulps, fillers, and pitch in papermaking processes. This makes UCARFLOC™ 309 an extremely effective flocculant for retaining silica and other fine particles to reduce their concentration in papermaking wastewater. It also functions as an outstanding retention aid to improve the papermaking process and quality of paper, where it improves first-pass retention of pulp, fiber, and fillers. This increased retention creates drainage that is easier to filter and recycle.

In addition to being a retention aid for paper, the UCARFLOC™ 309 polymer may also be used in wastewater treatment processes as a flocculating agent. It provides flocculation of silica at as little as 0.5 ppm with a maximum effect at 2 ppm. Compared to polyacrylamides, UCARFLOC™ 309 provides improved performance at lower use rates. It is not impacted by pH because the flocculation mechanism is not charge dependent. Floc strength is also substantially increased when incorporating UCARFLOC™ 309. The flocs created are slippery, enhancing drainage rate in belt presses and reducing filter clogging.