Economic Nano-Additive to Improve Cement Sealing Capability

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is introducing low-cost graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) for oilwell cementing that improves long-term wellbore isolation and the durability of the hydrated cement. To seek this goal, we first propose two methodologies to modify the surface properties of the nano-additives to disperse them in the cement paste. There are essentially two significant incentives for the surface modification of nanoparticles: (1) a proper dispersion of nanoparticles in the slurry and (2) enhance the interaction between these nanoparticles and the cementitious matrix. It is expected that this interaction will improve the cement integrity by controlling micro-cracks initiation and their propagation. Then, experiments are conducted to assess enhanced mechanical behavior of the new cement nanocomposite.