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 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).

Why is polyacrylamide used in wellbore encapsulation?

Many industries use polyacrylamide to mitigate wellbore instability problems arising due to swelling and dispersion of shale and cuttings inside the wellbore because of its unique property of shale encapsulation.

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.

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 synthesized composite have good filtration control properties in drilling mud?

Synthesized composite had good filtration control properties in drilling mud. High shale recovery was obtained with synthesized composite. The troublesome shale formations need special formulation of drilling fluids having high shale inhibition characteristics to mitigate wellbore instability problems.