Improving the physical properties of nano-cellulose through chemical grafting for potential use in enhancing oil recovery

The performance of nano-cellulose fluid as a "green" flooding agent in enhancing oil recovery was evaluated in our previous study. Expanding upon our prior findings, in this study the physical properties of nano-cellulose were further improved through chemical grafting with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid monomer (AMPS) and alkyl chain. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation indicated that the morphology of the nano-cellulose maintained fibrillar and was not altered after the chemical modification. The thermal stability of the AMPS and alkyl chain grafted nano-cellulose was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A similar thermal response behavior was observed for the three evaluated samples. Compared to the non-grafted nano-cellulose, the grafted nano-cellulose remained homogenous in an electrolyte solution against storage time, suggesting a superior sanity-tolerance. Rheological analysis also proved the advanced viscoelastic properties of the nano-cellulose dispersion.