Improving Cellulose Nanocrystal Properties for Oil & Gas Applications: A Continuation on Studies of Nanocellulose Colloidal and Thermal Stability

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Schlumberger is the world's largest provider of technology, services, software, and project management to thepetroleum industry. Schlumberger would like to use cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in a variety of fluids relatedto oil & gas extraction in an effort to improve their rheological performance, colloidal stability, mechanicalstrength, and increase their renewable/biodegradable content. However, CNCs are thermally unstable above150 degrees C, which makes them unsuitable for such applications.This project is a continuation on an Engage Grant and aims to produce CNCs that are more thermally andcolloidally stable and that do not lose their favourable properties at high temperatures. In our preliminary study,we produced CNCs with new acids and new acid combinations that allowed us to tailor particle size,thermal/colloidal stability; however, the stability was still not sufficient for oil & gas applications (e.g., 250degrees C, 20,000 psi and brine-level salt conditions). This current project will elucidate the dominant factorsresponsible for CNC thermal stability in both dry and wet conditions and will examine CNC performance inbrine and cement foams. We will also investigate a new surface modification route for CNCs, which will bedone during the CNC production, as a method to impart steric stabilization. We will compare the thermal,chemical, rheological and physical properties of the improved-stability CNCs to more conventional CNCs.CNCs are a Canadian innovation produced from wood pulp with potential application in paints, packaging,food, and composites, however oil & gas fluids would represent the first high volume application. Through thiswork, Schlumberger will be able to assess CNCs in various applications which will give them a significantmarket advantage. The IP developed will be exploited by Schlumberger and their customers in Canada. We arecommitted to helping the forestry and cleantech sectors by developing products with a greener footprint. Theimpact of this work will be economically significant for Canada, will lead to job creation in Canada and willensure that we remain at the forefront of CNC discoveries.