Hydrophobic-associated polymer-based laponite nanolayered silicate composite as filtrate reducer for water-based drilling fluid at high temperature

Wellbore instability caused by water invasion is the main problem in oil and gas drilling operation. This study reports the utilization of a hydrophobic-associated polymer-based laponite nanolayered silicate composite as a filtrate reducer in water-based drilling fluids (WDFs). The thermal performance and micromorphology of the composite were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the composite possessed a “bean pod” structure and a good thermal stability. The rheological properties of the composite solution were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrophobic association interaction of the composite is weak but existent, and the crosslink network structure is variable. The applied performances of WDFs containing the composite were also evaluated. Evaluation results showed that the composite could improve the properties of the thermal stability, salt tolerance, and fluid loss control of WDFs. The particle size distribution of WDFs and the micrographs of filter cakes explained the improving. The composite was expected to be applied as an efficient filtrate reducer for developing high performance drilling fluids. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137 , 48608.