Preparation and Evaluation of Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Graphene Oxide Nanohybrid Polymers as Pour Point Depressants and Flow Improvers for Waxy Crude Oil

A diversity of solution has been used and utilized to minimize cold flow properties problems caused by paraffins crystallization during production and/or transportation of waxy crude oils. Herein, a novel series of nanohybrids of poly(methyl methacrylate)-graphene oxide (PMMA-GO) as pour point depressants was prepared successfully by dispersing the inorganic nanosheets of GO on the organic, PMMA, matrix via in situ free radical polymerization. The prepared PMMA-GO nanohybrids were characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, XRD, HRTEM, SEM, and GPC chromatography. The thermal stability of PMMA-GO nanohybrids was also studied by both TGA and DSC. The results showed that the pour point and the apparent viscosity of waxy crude oil were reduced significantly upon addition of PMMA-GO nanohybrid, and the long-term stability of the PMMA-GO nanohybrid was superior to that of a conventional PMMA material. The significant effect of this PMMA-GO nanohybrid as pour point depressant and flow improver on waxy crude oil problem is carrying new technology to minimization of the permeability during the charge and transportation process. The effect of oil soluble PMMA-GO nanohybrid on the pour point/rheological properties is discussed, and a beneficiation mechanism is suggested.