Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of a Silicon-Based Modified Polyacrylamide Emulsion Fracturing Thickener

The development of fracturing fluids is pivotal for optimizing oilfield production, with polymer-based fracturing thickeners emerging as a principal focus of research owing to their superior rheological properties. In this investigation, polyacrylamide emulsions were synthesized through inverse emulsion polymerization, utilizing water glass and silane-modified water glass as the modifying agents. A comprehensive assessment of their performance was conducted. The findings demonstrated that polymer systems containing 0.2% sodium metasilicate and 0.03% silane-modified sodium metasilicate exhibited remarkable rheological behaviors. Specifically, the apparent viscosity increased by 25% and 40%, respectively, while shear recovery tests revealed enhancements in shear viscosity of 26% and 90% at low shear rates. Furthermore, at a proppant concentration of 20%, the proppant transport capacity of these two enhanced systems improved by 58.63% and 67.22%, respectively. This enhancement is likely attributable to the high bond energy of the silicon–oxygen (Si–O) bonds in water glass, which imparts greater structural stability to the polymer. The incorporation of silane-modified water glass further improves the dispersion and compatibility within the polymer matrix. The results offer a robust theoretical foundation for its use as a fracturing thickener.