Synthesis and Rheological Properties of Polyacrylamide Nanospheres and SiO2/PAM Composite Nanospheres

Polyacrylamide nanospheres are a kind of polymer material that can improve the development effect of oilfield water flooding and realize reservoir stimulation. However, due to its good water absorption, the strength cannot well meet the needs of practical production, and is forced to be limited to application on oil displacement. Therefore, in this paper, SiO2/PAM composite nanospheres were synthesized by the inverse microemulsion method to meet the needs of profile control and water shutoff in oilfields. The structure, oil displacement effect and rheological properties of polyacrylamide nanospheres and SiO2/PAM composite nanospheres were comparatively studied. The results show that both nanospheres are viscoelastic nanospheres. Since the elastic response is greater than the viscous response in SiO2/PAM composite nanospheres, and the polymer nanospheres do the opposite, there are significant differences in various rheological properties, such as variation of apparent viscosity with shear rate, creep recovery characteristics, viscoelasticity etc. This work provides a basis for the practical application of SiO2/PAM composite nanospheres in oilfields.

Automated summary

Polyacrylamide nanospheres can improve oilfield water flooding and reservoir stimulation, but their strength is not sufficient for practical production. Therefore, SiO2/PAM composite nanospheres were synthesized in this study to meet the needs of profile control and water shutoff in oilfields. The rheological properties of polyacrylamide nanospheres and SiO2/PAM composite nanospheres were compared, showing significant differences.