Investigating hagfish slime as a model for improved oilfield fluids

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique that involves creating cracks in rock formations by injecting fluids under high pressure, and propping the cracks open with solid particles such as sand. Hydraulic fracturing relies on the injection of fluids with specific physical properties, including an ability to suspend sand during delivery, but also an ability to let go of the sand once it is in place. Oilfield fluids currently used for hydraulic fracturing can be expensive, toxic, or both, and there is therefore a need to develop new materials that are cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Fusion Technologies Inc. has been actively searching for innovative approaches that could help them fill this need, and this project will connect Fusion with researchers working on natural biomaterials that could inspire the development of these new products. The research proposed here will investigate the physical properties of hagfish slime in the context of designing more effective oilfield fluids. A successful collaboration will ultimately allow Fusion to develop new products that they can sell to the oil and gas industries in Canada, the US, and around the world.