Effects of Various Nanoparticles on the Rheological Properties of Carboxylic Cellulose Nanofibers and the Compound System's Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery

The addition of nanoparticles (NPs) to polymer solutions can effectively improve the rheological and thermal properties of the polymer solution. However, the interaction between NPs and cellulose, a potential alternative for polymers applied in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), has been scarcely reported. In this work, the effects of three typical NPs (AlOOH, SiO2, and ZnO NPs) on the rheological properties, emulsifying ability, and resistance to harsh conditions of carboxylic cellulose nanofiber (CCNF) solutions were investigated thoroughly. The results indicate that only AlOOH NPs exert a positive impact on the CCNF's rheological properties, which should be ascribed to the delicate electrostatic attraction between the CCNF and AlOOH NPs. The intensified network of the CCNF/AlOOH system also results in a superior emulsifying performance and temperature and salt tolerance than other mixed CCNF/NPs systems. In the core flooding test, the CCNF/AlOOH system outperforms the individual CCNF system and the conventional partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, reflecting the potential of incorporating AlOOH NPs in the CCNF to promote the CCNF's practical application in EOR.

Automated summary

The study investigated the effects of three typical NPs on CCNF solutions, with AlOOH NPs showing a positive impact on the rheological properties of CCNF due to electrostatic attraction. The intensified network of the CCNF/AlOOH system resulted in superior emulsifying performance and temperature and salt tolerance compared to other systems. In core flooding tests, the CCNF/AlOOH system outperformed individual CCNF and conventional hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, suggesting the potential of incorporating AlOOH NPs to enhance CCNF's practical application in EOR.