In this report, we present copolymer composite microbeads (100/120 mesh) designed as in-situ high-strength proppants incorporating copolymer-2D nanofillers for effective hydraulic fracturing operations. The poly(styrene/methyl methacrylate)-2D nanofiller (PS/PMMA-2D nanofiller) composite microbeads were synthesized through an emulsion polymerization technique. Various 2D nanofillers, including commercial graphene (CG), hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h-BN), and a combination of CG and h-BN (CG:BN), were utilized in the preparation of these copolymer composite microbeads. The microbeads were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze their morphology. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods were also employed to confirm the development of the composites. FT-IR, XRD, and SEM findings indicated successful composite formation. Remarkably, the copolymer composite microbeads demonstrated crush resistance of up to 12,000 psi, suggesting their potential as effective candidates for hydraulic fracturing applications.

2025

09/2025

Muscat, Oman

https://onepetro.org/SPEIHFT/proceedings-abstract/25IHFT/25IHFT/D021S004R005/790915