Preparation and Characterization of Preformed Polyelectrolyte and Polyampholyte Gel Particles for Plugging of High-Permeability Porous Media.

Excessive reservoir water poses significant challenges in the oil and gas industry by diminishing hydrocarbon recovery efficiency and generating environmental and economic complications. Conventional polymer flooding techniques, although beneficial, often prove inadequate under conditions of elevated temperature and salinity, highlighting the need for more resilient materials. In this research, two types of acrylamide-based preformed particle gels (PPGs) were synthesized, as follows: polyelectrolyte and polyampholyte.

Preparation and Characterization of a Preformed Polyampholyte Particle Gel Composite for Conformance Control in Oil Recovery.

Preformed particle gels (PPGs) based on acrylamide (AAm), (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS) were synthesized via conventional free radical copolymerization. The resultant PPGs of various compositions were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, TG and DT analysis, and mechanical testing. The swelling behavior of PPGs depending on ionic strength, temperature, degree of crosslinking, and pH was also studied.

Temperature and Salt Responsive Amphoteric Nanogels Based on -Isopropylacrylamide, 2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt and (3-Acrylamidopropyl) Trimethylammonium Chloride.

Polyampholyte nanogels based on -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS) were synthesized via conventional redox-initiated free radical copolymerization. The resultant nanogels of various compositions, specifically [NIPAM]:[APTAC]:[AMPS] = 90:5:5; 90:7.5:2.