Research on Temperature-Resistant Polymer-Based Nano-SiO2 Composite Sealing Agent

• Published in: Journal of inorganic and organometallic polymers and materials 2024, Vol.34 (10), p.4729-4741
• Main Authors: Hao, Yanjun, Zheng, Xuecheng, Fan, Wei, Chen, Siqi, Ye, Zhongbin, Tai, Lei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Core-shell structure; Deformation effects; Design specifications; Emulsion polymerization; Formations; Fourier transforms; Fractures; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Inorganic Chemistry; Microcracks; Nanomaterials; Organic Chemistry; Particle size; Particle size distribution; Particulate composites; Plugging; Polymer Sciences; Polymers; Rheological properties; Sealing; Silicon dioxide; Synthesis; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis
• ISSN: 1574-1443; 1574-1451
• DOI: 10.1007/s10904-024-03121-4

In view of the extremely developed bedding of shale formations, which are dominated by micro-nano pores and fractures, traditional sealing agents make it difficult to produce a tight seal on shale formations due to their huge particle sizes. Combining the bridging effect of inorganic nanoparticles and the deformation properties of organic particles, this article synthesized a core-shell structure nano-blocking agent through emulsion polymerization, which was called P(MMA-St-BD)/KH570-SiO 2 . The structure of the synthesized nano-plugging agent was characterized utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), particle size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Performance characterization was carried out through the effect of nano-blocking agents on emulsion stability, rheological properties, microporous filter membrane plugging experiments, and core pressure-bearing capacity tests. The findings demonstrate that P(MMA-St-BD)/KH570-SiO 2 ’s structure satisfies design specifications, and that the nano-plugging agent has outstanding thermal stability, homogeneous particle size distribution, and good dispersion. Its decomposition temperature also exceeds 400 °C. This study analyzed the plugging efficiency of nano-blocking agents from the temperature perspective, indicating that the nano-blocking agents seal shale formations tightly. Ultimately, through mechanism analysis, nanomaterials can squeeze and deform through the polymer shell and enter the shale micropores and micro-cracks for sealing, forming a high-strength sealing zone.