Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of a Silicon‐Based Modified Polyacrylamide Emulsion Fracturing Thickener

ABSTRACT The development of fracturing fluids is pivotal for optimizing oilfield production, with polymer‐based fracturing thickeners emerging as a principal focus of research owing to their superior rheological properties. In this investigation, polyacrylamide emulsions were synthesized through inverse emulsion polymerization, utilizing water glass and silane‐modified water glass as the modifying agents. A comprehensive assessment of their performance was conducted. The findings demonstrated that polymer systems containing 0.2% sodium metasilicate and 0.03% silane‐modified sodium metasilicate exhibited remarkable rheological behaviors. Specifically, the apparent viscosity increased by 25% and 40%, respectively, while shear recovery tests revealed enhancements in shear viscosity of 26% and 90% at low shear rates. Furthermore, at a proppant concentration of 20%, the proppant transport capacity of these two enhanced systems improved by 58.63% and 67.22%, respectively. This enhancement is likely attributable to the high bond energy of the silicon–oxygen (Si–O) bonds in water glass, which imparts greater structural stability to the polymer. The incorporation of silane‐modified water glass further improves the dispersion and compatibility within the polymer matrix. The results offer a robust theoretical foundation for its use as a fracturing thickener.