Abstract
In this paper we characterized at first, the rheological behavior of the bentonite suspensions and the aqueous solutions of polyethylene oxide (PEO), then we were investigated the influence of this polymer in a water-based drilling fluid model (6% of bentonite suspension). The objective is to exhibit how the non ionic polymer with molecular weight 6×103 g/mol. of varying concentration mass (0.7%, 1%, 2% et 3%) significantly alter the rheological properties (yield stress, viscosity, loss and elastic modulus) of the bentonite suspensions. The rheological measurements made in simple shear and in dynamic on the mixture (water-bentonite-PEO), showed rheological properties of bentonite suspensions both in the presence and absence of non-ionic polymer. The PEO presents an affinity for the bentonite particles slowing down their kinetic aggregation. The analysis by X-rays diffraction also allowed understanding the structure of this mixture. It had revealed the intercalation between of the clay platelets on one hand, and the links bridges assured by the chains of polymer between bentonite particles beyond a critical concentration in PEO on the other hand. The Herschel- Bulkley rheological model is used for the correlation of our experimental results.
Highlights
Clay minerals are extensively used in a wide range of applications
The purpose of this article is to highlight the rheological properties of bentonite suspensions both in the presence and absence of non ionic polymers, the polyethylene oxide (PEO)
Rheological measurements of mixtures suspensions bentonite-PEO To exhibit, the influence of the PEO on the rheological properties of bentonite suspensions, we have selected a basic suspension of concentration 6%, into which we introduced the PEO of molecular weight 6x103 g/mol. by varying its concentration (0.7%, 1%, 2% and 3%)
Summary
Clay minerals are extensively used in a wide range of applications. They are key component in the formulation of ceramic products, cement, drilling fluids, moulding sands, paints and paper, among others [1]. An important characteristic that clay minerals are able to provide in such applications is adequate particle dispersion, which is necessary to obtain a uniform and stable system. Under certain conditions the clay particles may become aggregated, which leads to the variation of important properties required for a particular function. The aggregation of the clay particles under varying conditions of temperature and electrolytes leads to strong variations of the flow properties. It becomes necessary to add certain additives, or polymers, to stabilise the clay particles and prevent this behavior. On contact with the particle these molecules tend to collapse and spread out over the clay surface, improving the physical conditions of soil [3]
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