Experimental and molecular dynamics studies of physicochemical properties of highly thickening and active nanofluids based on acrylamide modified silica

Binary compound flooding is an important technology that continuously promotes stable oil reservoir production. By comparing with traditional binary flooding, the system nanoparticles has higher application value in enhanced recovery (EOR). In this work, we prepared a flexible polymeric brushes hybrid nano-silica star-like hydrophobically associative polyacrylamide (SHPAM). Subsequently, surfactant named alkyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfonate (CEOS) was selected to study physicochemical properties of nanofluids through combination experiments and simulations. The results indicated had good dispersion stability strong brine. When concentration monomer SHPAM reached 2000 mg/l, its thickening performance best. Significantly, even if reduced (750 mg/l), (107.2 mPa s) better than SHPAM. Interestingly, ensured same degree reduction interfacial tension as alone CEOS (the order 10−2 mN/m). molecular simulation showed could stably adsorb on oil–water interface form layer film increase viscosity reduce tension. significantly change wettability core improve producing pore throat above 1.0–10 μm about 40%. We envisage nanofluidic material can apply EOR high efficiency low cost.