Cryogenic viscoelastic surfactant fluids: Fabrication and application in a subzero environment
Hongyao Yin1, Yujun Feng1, Peixun Li2
1Polymer Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|May 11, 2019
Summary
New cryo-viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids were developed using alcohols to maintain performance at subzero temperatures. Ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and glycerol enabled cryo-VES fluid formation, showing potential for cold-environment applications.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) solutions lose functionality at subzero temperatures, limiting their use in cold climates.
- Developing cryo-VES fluids with low freezing points is crucial for applications in cold environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of cryo-VES fluids using alcohols as antifreeze agents.
- To understand the self-assembly behavior of surfactants in alcohol/water mixtures at subfreezing temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Studied erucyl dimethyl amidopropyl betaine (EDAB) self-assembly in eight alcohol/water cosolvents (-20 to 20°C).
- Utilized pyrene fluorescent probe, cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and cryo-small-angle neutron scattering (cryo-SANS).
- Evaluated solution properties using rheological testing.
Main Results:
- Alcohol molecular structure, concentration, and temperature critically influence EDAB self-assembly.
- Monohydric alcohols prevent micelle formation, hindering VES fluid creation.
- Dihydric and trihydric alcohols (ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, glycerol) facilitate wormlike micelle formation, yielding cryo-VES fluids.
Conclusions:
- Cryo-VES fluids can be successfully formulated using specific polyhydric alcohols, overcoming freezing point limitations.
- These fluids exhibit tunable temperature-sensitivity and rheological properties.
- Potential applications include anti-freeze hydraulic fracking fluids and aircraft deicing/anti-icing agents.
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