Abstract
The rheological and filtration-technological characteristics of a 15% Darbaza clay-based suspension along with different dosages of newly synthesized SANVSK-series stabilizers were investigated in this study. Different techniques, such as rheological measurements, filtration tests, sedimentation stability analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) were deployed. The results demonstrated that the use of SANVSK-2 as a stabilizer for Darbaza clay-based suspensions was optimal at a concentration of 0.5%. The polymer exhibited excellent thermal resistance (up to 180-200 °C) and salt resistance (up to 20% NaCl and 2% CaCl2) maintaining its functional performance during harsh situations. The mechanistic analysis revealed that SANVSK-2 was able to protect the clay matrix against the adsorption of more water, and thus increase its stability by creating solvation layers. The strong presence of amide, imide, carboxylate, and sulfo functional contributed to the polymer’s high resistance to electrolyte-induced destabilization and the reduction of the friction coefficient during drilling operations. Thus, it has been confirmed that SANVSK-2 is an excellent candidate for the application of a polymer additive that can withstand high temperature and salt for the low-clay and complicated drilling fluid systems.