This work focuses on using custom-made (CM) magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the properties of bentonite-based fluids. The microstructure qualities and modes of interaction have been identified, helping to optimize the rheological and fluid-loss properties of these drilling fluids. The better performance of the CM Fe3O4 NPs can be attributed to their extremely small size, which leads to stability in suspensions and effective linking with the bentonite particles, thus allowing the formation of a rigid microstructure network.
Introduction
The effects of adding iron oxide NPs on the rheological and filtration properties of aqueous bentonite suspensions have been studied by several researchers. The results showed that the addition of iron oxide NPs at low concentrations significantly improves drilling-fluid-filtration characteristics and maintains optimal rheological properties compared with the base fluid (BF). Moreover, the creation of a thin and impermeable filter cake and its effectiveness depend on the NP concentration.
The main objective of the research detailed in the complete paper is to study the performance of aqueous bentonite suspensions (7 wt%) containing CM Fe3O4 NPs at 0.5 wt% concentration in terms of their rheological and fluid-loss properties.
