Applications of Viscoelastic Nanocomposite Hydrogels in the Petroleum Engineering

Document Type : compile

Authors

1 Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 --

10.22063/basparesh.2025.35692.1736

Abstract

Recent advances in the design synthesis of polymeric nanocomposites have dramatically expanded their application in oil and gas industry, especially in improving the performance of drilling fluids and wellbore plugging agents. This study is focused on polyacrylamide (PAM)-based nanocomposites, which by reinforcing with various nanoparticles such as nanosilica, copper oxide, nanoclay, exhibit significant improvements in viscosity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and salt resistance. Adding nanoparticles not only reinforces the molecular network of the polymer but also enhances its performance in difficult conditions of oil wells, including pressure, temperature, and chemical conditions of the well. The utilization of double network hydrogel (DN hydrogel) structures as an innovative strategy for enhancing toughness, compressive resistance, and long-term durability under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions is suggested. The experimental results show that these nanocomposites can reduce filter cake thickness, minimize fluid loss, and offer more controlled rheological behavior, and final stability of polymer. These cases play an important role in maintaining wellbore stability, reducing drilling costs, and increasing the efficiency of repair and maintenance operations. In conclusion, the results of this study show that polyacryl nanocomposites can be used as very effective and durable alternatives of conventional polymers in complex and challenging environments of drilling and oil production.
 

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References

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