Hydrophobic Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery : Preparation, Characterization, Rheological Properties

Currently enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology is getting more attention by many countries since energy crises are getting worse and frightened. To improve oil recovery several techniques had been employed, one of them is wettability alteration during water flooding. In this work a novel hydrophobically associated polyacrylamide and its modified silica nanocomposite prepared by free radical emulsion copolymerization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, where silica nanoparticles introduced through backbone structure of the polymer through Michael addition reactions to guarantee regular distribution of silica nanoparticles through polymer matrix. Chemical structure of the prepared composites was proven through different spectroscopic techniques. Rheological and solution properties were evaluated at simulated reservoir conditions as a function of concentration, reservoir salinity, temperature and shear rate. The results were highly promised and favorable. Wettability alteration and flooding tests were evaluated at harsh reservoir conditions.