The inverse microemulsion copolymerization of acrylamide and [2-(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (Adamquat) was investigated using different reactors (batch, semicontinuous, and CSTR). It was found that formation of long branches through extensive intermolecular chain transfer occurred at low temperature (35 degrees C). Molecular weights and long branching levels were correlated and decreased as batch > semicontinuous > CSTR. These differences affected the performance of the copolymers as flocculants. Results indicated that successful flocculant should contain a good balance between short and long chains.