Can polyacrylamide/clay nanocomposite be used as drilling fluid additive?

The troublesome shale formations need special formulation of drilling fluids having high shale inhibition characteristics to mitigate wellbore instability problems. In the present study, polyacrylamide/clay nanocomposite (PANC) was synthesized and used as drilling fluid additive.

Can montmorillonite be dispersed in polyacrylamide polymer?

Depending on the surface modification of the clay layers, montmorillonite can be dispersed in a polymer matrix to form polymer–clay nanocomposites. The efficiently dispersed clay in polyacrylamide polymer can significantly improve the polymer’s physical and mechanical properties. This can be achieved by mixing, stirring, and sonication.

Can clay nanoparticles improve thermal stability of polyacrylamide?

The TGA curves of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA) and synthesized nanocomposite are given in Fig. 4. The incorporation of clay nanoparticles into the polyacrylamide polymer matrix was found to enhance the thermal stability of the polyacrylamide (Cui et al., 2008).

Are nanocomposites a drilling fluid additive?

Hence, nanocomposites have got wide attention as drilling fluid additive for various purposes. Nanoclays are nanoparticles of layered mineral silicates. These are categorized into several classes like montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, hectorite, and halloysite based on their chemical composition and nanoparticle morphology.

Does polyacrylamide have clay nanoparticles?

In addition, the elemental composition of the nanocomposite indicated the presence of Mg (magnesium) and Si (silica) which were absent in the EDX spectra of polyacrylamide. Thus, indicating the presence of the clay nanoparticles in the nanocomposite. Fig. 3. FESEM images and EDX spectra of (a) nanoclay, (b) polyacrylamide and (c) nanocomposite.

Does nanocomposite affect rheological and filtration properties of water based mud system?

The effect of nanocomposite on the rheological and filtration properties of the base fluid system is shown in Fig. 6. The rheological properties of the water based inhibitive mud system were increased with the increase in the concentration of the nanocomposite.