Novel zinc oxide nanoparticles deposited acrylamide composite used for enhancing the performance of water-based drilling fluids at elevated temperature conditions

Multifunctional nano-micron composite compared to single nano-sphere materials revealed wide applications to enhance the physical and chemical stability of base fluids. Therefore, it can be a possible solution for the improvement of the rheological properties and shale inhibition characteristics of conventional water-based drilling fluid (WBDF). The primary goal of the study was to investigate the effects zinc oxide nanoparticles-acrylamide composite termed as ZnO-Am composite over rheological and shale swelling behavior of conventional WBDF. Herein, ZnO-Am composite was synthesized and successfully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermalgravimeteric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and field emission electron microscope (FESEM). Results revealed that the rheological properties such as 10-min gel strength (10-min GS), apparent viscosity (AV), and plastic vicscocity (PV) were slightly increased and obtained within operating range at 150°F by adding the synthesized composite in conventional WBDF. Lubricity was improved by 25% at 150°F. API filtrate loss volume was reduced by 14%. Elevated temperature and pressure (ETP) filtrate loss volume (500psi, 250°F) was slightly minimized. Shale swelling was merely reduced from 16% to 9%. These findings will contribute to enhance the oil and gas well drilling operations. [Display omitted] •Novel zinc oxide coated acrylamide composite was synthesized.•Zinc oxide-acrylamide composite enhanced the performance of water-based drilling fluid.•Synthesized composite displayed enhanced and ”flat” rheological properties profile.•API and elevated temperature and pressure filtrate volume were reduced by using the synthesized composite.•Shale inhibition was slightly improved by using the synthesized composite.