Synthesis and solution properties of poly(acrylamide‐styrene) block copolymers with high hydrophobic content

Abstract

Hydrophobically associating block copolymers of polyacrylamide/styrene with a high hydrophobe content were synthesized using micellar copolymerization under various conditions of surfactant and initiator concentrations with the objective of determining the conditions that produce optimum solution properties for enhanced oil recovery. Solubilities, aqueous solution viscosities and interfacial properties with air and oil of the copolymers were investigated. The influence of salt on the solution properties was also studied. Nature of hydrophobic sites and onset of hydrophobic association were studied by measuring the fluorescence of pyrene in polymer solutions. Optimum solution properties were obtained for copolymers synthesized under conditions of high surfactant and initiator concentrations. The copolymers displayed substantial thickening properties at low concentrations with enhanced thickening in the presence of salt. The interfacial tensions of the aqueous solutions with n‐decane and air were also reduced. Interfacial properties were slightly sensitive to salt concentration. The copolymer solutions showed shear and temperature thinning behaviors typical of polymer solutions.

Stimuli-Responsive Polymers and their Potential Applications in Oil-Gas Industry

“…It is well known that increased temperature will lead to a viscosity decrease because an increase in temperature implies a decrease in association strength. [115][116] However, several groups demonstrated different aqueous polymer solutions which displayed an increase in viscosity upon increasing the temperature. 114,[117][118] As shown in Fig.…”

Solution properties of hydrophobically modified polyacrylamides and their potential use for polymer flooding application

“…the presence of hydrophobic moieties in the mainly hydrophilic polymer chain) of most hydrophobically associating polymers, these polymers can also exhibit simultaneously high surface and interfacial activities. The amphiphilic polymers form monomolecular or polymolecular micelles in aqueous solutions [13][14][15], and thus have enhanced ability to adsorb on the interface. This can lead to a sharp reduction in the surface and interfacial tensions (IFTs) of the polymer solution.…”

Amphiphilic copolymers based on PEG‐acrylate as surface active water viscosifiers: Towards new potential systems for enhanced oil recovery

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Polymer flooding is a common EOR technique, in which solutions of a high molecular weight water soluble polymer is pumped into the reservoir. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Polymer flooding is a common EOR technique, in which solutions of a high molecular weight water soluble polymer is pumped into the reservoir.…”