The aim of this study is the evaluation of partially sulfonated polystyrene nanoparticles (SPSNP) efficiency as nanocarriers for a non-ionic surfactant, oleic acid diethanolamide (OADA), in the reduction of the surfactant losses and the increase of oil recovery. The synthesized oleic acid diethanolamide was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, surface tension (γ = 36.6 mN·m−1, CMC = 3.13 × 10−4 M) and interfacial tension of mineral oil/OADA aqueous solutions (IFTeq = 0.07 mN·m−1). The nanoparticles (SPSNP) were obtained by emulsion polymerization of styrene, DVB and sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (St-S) in the presence of OADA aqueous solution and were characterized by FTIR and PCS. The results show that the presence of ionic groups in the polymer structure promoted a better nanoparticles suspensions′ stability, smaller particles production and more pronounced IFT reduction. The SPSNP obtained with an OADA concentration twenty times its CMC and 0.012 mol % of St-S presented a particle size around 66 nm and can act as efficient nanocarriers decreasing the water/oil interfacial tension to low values (0.07 mN·m−1) along the time, when in contact with the oil. Transport and oil recovery tests of the nanocarriers systems in an unconsolidated sand porous medium test show that the SPSNP do inhibit surfactant adsorption onto sand particles surface and induced an increase of oil recovery of up to about 13% relative to the water flooding oil recovery, probably due to a synergistic effect between the nanoparticles and surfactant action at the water/oil interface.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.