Study on rheological properties of partially crosslinked sulfonated polyacrylamide/nanoparticle systems for EOR applications

Partially crosslinked systems are flowable gels that have a relatively low strength. The main purpose of this study is to carry out an investigation on the preparation and rheological behavior of partially crosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels based on sulfonated polyacrylamide/Laponite nanoparticles. Rheological tests were used for evaluation of thermal stability of prepared samples in electrolyte media. According to rheological studies, the viscoelastic properties of these systems improved with addition of either Laponite or ionic crosslinker. Viscosity loss of crosslinked systems were lower than the corresponding polymer solution. Thus they may be a potential candidates for enhanced oil recovery applications

Keywords:

Nanocomposite , Weak hydrogel , Sulfonated Polyacrylamide , Rheology , Laponite , Thermal aging