Investigation of the High‐Temperature Resistance and Sand Suspension Mechanism of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Based on Novel Thickeners

ABSTRACT A novel kind of temperature‐resistant thickening agent was synthesized with acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), sodium p‐styrenesulfonate (PS) and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) by free radical copolymerization. The structure of the copolymer was characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrates that the thickening agent KX had an excellent ability for temperature resistance and its degradation temperature was higher than 300°C. The KX‐based fracturing fluid exhibited outstanding performance, maintaining stable viscosity (54 mPa s) and effective sand suspension (0.24 mm/min) at temperatures up to 200°C. Through thermal differential analysis, rheological measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the mechanisms underlying its superior high‐temperature resistance and sand suspension properties were elucidated. This study addresses a critical challenge in ultra‐deep well stimulation by providing enhanced thermal stability and sand suspension compared to conventional fracturing fluids. These findings highlight its potential to enhance high‐temperature reservoir stimulation efficiency while reducing operational costs through minimized additive requirements.