A Supramolecular Thickener Based on Non-Covalent Enhancement Mechanism

Inspired by non-covalent enhancement mechanism, we introduced glycinamide-conjugated monomer (NAGA) with dual-amide in one side group to amplify the hydrogen bonding interactions. Via one-step free radical polymerization strategy, we prepared a type of supramolecular thickener based on binary polymer. With NMR, FT-IR and SEM results’ help, we determined that PNAGA-AM system had unique bis-amide structure of glycinamide-conjugated monomer. As a result, the synthesized polymer could generate a much denser structure based on the high-ordered multiple hydrogen bonding with lower molecular weight (Mn = 778,400 g/mol), increasing the strength and stability of the chains. PNAGA-AM system had good thickening and temperature-resistant properties. The thickener viscosity of PNAGA-AM(3.0wt%) had twice as much as that of corresponding PAM system. And the viscosity of the 1.5 wt% solution prepared by PNAGA-AM could maintain 74 mPa·s at 150 °C. Meanwhile, the supramolecular system showed excellent salt resistance and self-healing performance with the non-covalent/hydrogen bonding interactions and physical entanglements. The viscosity of the PNAGA-AM system did not drop but increase in high salinity (≤ 300,000 mg/L salinity), and the maximum viscosity could increase nearly 44 % compared with the initial situation. In addition, the self-healing efficiency was over 100 % at 120 °C. Overall, the fracturing fluid system based on PNAGA-AM system could maintain outstanding rheological properties under extreme conditions and showed brilliant recovery performance, to make up the disadvantages of currently used fracturing fluid. It is expected to mitigate potential fluid issues caused by low water quality, harsh downhole temperatures and high-speed shearing.