A temperature-sensitive plugging material composed of shape memory polymer and self-made gel

Polymers with shape memory property and gel with resistance to high temperature can be both used for plugging formation, but they also have shortcomings. Nevertheless, it is possible to mix shape memory polymer(SMP) particles in the gel solution and use formation temperature to stimulate them to complete morphological transformation to achieve the purpose of plugging. This mutual combination method can help them reduce the shortcomings between each other. Here, a series of SMP with different glass transition temperatures and self-made gel were prepared. SMP needs to be prepared into particles to meet the dimensional requirements of plugging materials, but it can also retain shape memory property and pressure bearing capacity. The composition and thermal properties of both SMP and gel were characterized by FTIR and DMA. The plugging performance and mechanism of the composite of SMP and gel were systematically studied. The results show that the addition of SMP could improve the mechanical strength in system, and the viscosity gel can help stabilize the bridging structure formed by SMP particles at cracks. This composite of SMP and gel is expected to be a potential plugging material.

Automated summary

Polymers with shape memory property and gel with resistance to high temperature can be combined to overcome their respective shortcomings in plugging formation. The addition of shape memory polymer (SMP) particles can enhance the mechanical strength of the system, while the viscosity gel can stabilize the bridging structure formed by the SMP particles at cracks. This composite of SMP and gel shows great potential as a plugging material.