Strong thickening performance and mechanism of supramolecular system constructed by β-cyclodextrin polymer included adamantane polymer

Abstract

Introducing supramolecular interactions into polymer systems to improve their properties has recently become a hot topic. However, the formation of supramolecular polymers through host–guest interactions using two types of polymers is rarely reported. In this paper, a novel supramolecular system (ABMN) is prepared by host–guest inclusion of β-cyclodextrin polymer (PAAB) and adamantane polymer (PAMN). Subsequently, the thickening ability and viscoelasticity of ABMN are investigated. The microstructure of ABMN is studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results show that at the molar ratio of PAAB: PAMN = 1:1 the optimal inclusion is observed with the binding constant between β-cyclodextrin group and adamantane group of 575.33 L/mol. The thickening ability of ABMN is greatly improved when compared to the original polymers. At 90℃ and 32868 mg/L, the viscosity of the ABMN system at 2000 mg/L can reach 38.5 mPa s. The microstructure results evidence that a larger hydrodynamic radius and denser spatial network structures in the ABMN system are formed through the host–guest inclusion interactions. Therefore, the supramolecular system exhibits strong thickening properties and demonstrates exceptional resistance to both temperature and salt, rendering it an optimal candidate for employment in EOR in high-temperature and high-salinity reservoirs.