Vermiculite and graphene oxide 2D layered nanoparticle for improving rheology and filtration in water-based drilling fluids formulations

This study explores the potential enhancement of water-based drilling fluids properties by incorporating vermiculite layered nanoparticles (VLNPs) and graphene oxide (GOs) flakes into xanthan gum-based (XG) formulations. These materials, were characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy, and rheological measurements, revealing significant improvements in rheological and filtration properties compared to the XG counterpart. Notably, GOs-based formulations showed a 235 % reduction in fluid loss compared to a typical bentonite/XG-based formulations, while both VLNPs and GOs nanofluids achieved a 20-fold reduction compared to bare bentonite. Further, the present system exhibited shear-thinning behavior and solid-like viscoelastic properties, which would be ideal for drilling applications. By varying nanoparticle concentrations, the viscosity, yield stress, and viscoelastic moduli could be tuned as desired. Also, phase diagrams mapped distinct regions of low viscosity, gel-like phases, and optimal dispersion. Thus, this research offers insights into developing high-performance, environmentally friendly drilling fluids using 2D nanomaterials as cost-efficient alternatives to conventional additives.