Akeem Arinkoola - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria\Petroleum Engineering Department, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Nigeria
Zaynab Atitebi - Petroleum Engineering Department, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Nigeria
Gbenga Abidemi - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Monsurat Jimoh - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Kazeem Salam - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Solomon Alagbe - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Taofeeq Salawudeen - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Using beneficiated local bentonites as an alternative to imported Wyoming bentonite for drilling fluids preparation has technical, economic, and social advantages. However, the rheological properties of the fluids using these clays deteriorate at high temperatures. The objective of this study was to develop, analyze and optimize new water-based mud prepared using silver nanoparticles-modified Ohia bentonite (SNPMB) in the presence of selected local additives. The rheological and filtration properties of the fluid were investigated. The nanoparticle was synthesized by catalytic reduction of silver ions using plantain peel extract. Characterization of nanoparticles, SNPMB, and local additives was done using UV – Spectroscopy, particle size analyses, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The mud was evaluated by measuring plastic viscosity, yield point, fluid loss, and Gel strength. Ultimately, the obtained result shows that SNPMB exhibited superior rheology and filtration at ۲۱۲ oF.

Nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Bentonite Modification, Clay characterization, Rheology, Water- based mud