Terpolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AAm), and acrylic acid (AAc) have significant potential to be used in polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery. Our earlier work has explored the relationship between terpolymerization recipes and polymer properties. With a good understanding of these relationships, two optimal terpolymers have been designed for the application. Relationships between the prepolymerization formulation, product terpolymer composition, polymer chain microstructure, thermal stability, and viscoelastic properties are explored. The synthesis and characterization stages lay the groundwork and establish the viability of these materials for future polymer flooding investigations.