Gelation kinetics of functionalized silica crosslinked polymeric gels used in conformance control applications

The potential crosslinking of three types nitrogen-containing functionalized silica (TAAcONa, guanidine, and triamine) with polyacrylamide (PAM) has been investigated. Only triamine was able to crosslink PAM, producing barely flowing gel storage modulus around 700 Pa. Micro differential scanning calorimeter (?DSC) analysis illustrated exothermic peaks indicating PAM polyethyleneimine (PEI), onset temperatures 80°C 84°C. TGA showed the thermal stability up more than 200°C. In domain study (up 130°C), TAAcONa exhibited highest weight loss 5%. Different kinetic models were used identify degree PAM/PEI shown diffusion-controlled reaction unlike PAM/triamine-functionalized silica. mechanism new crosslinker is proposed be similar that system. Yet, silica-based gels are stable possess higher strength.