Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Gemini Hydrophobically Associating Polyacrylamide

To overcome the constraints posed by traditional acrylamide-based polymers in harsh reservoir environments, this study synthesized a novel Gemini-type hydrophobically associating polymer (PAAD) via micellar copolymerization, incorporating acrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and a meticulously designed Gemini surfactant monomer. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted on PAAD’s solution behavior, resistance to temperature and salt, shear stability, and enhanced oil recovery performance, with a comparative analysis to partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), which is currently utilized in oilfields. The experimental results revealed that the critical association concentration of the Gemini-type hydrophobically associating polymer fell within the range of 1.5 to 2.0 g/L. Under identical concentration conditions, PAAD demonstrated superior thermal stability, salt tolerance, and shear resistance when compared to HPAM, while effectively reducing the oil–water interfacial tension to 0.3 mN/m. This study provides both theoretical basis and technical support for the practical application of hydrophobically associating polymers in high-temperature, high-salinity reservoirs.