Development and Evaluation of a Novel Sulfonated Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin with High Dispersion Stability

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Petroleum Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Petroleum reservoir conformance control often utilizes cross-linking agents like phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins.
• Improving the storage stability and dispersion properties of these resins is crucial for effective application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize sulfonated phenol-formaldehyde (SPF) resin for enhanced petroleum reservoir conformance control.
• To investigate the impact of synthesis parameters on SPF resin properties relevant to its application.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of SPF resin under alkaline conditions.
• Evaluation of reaction kinetics via viscosity measurements compared to PF resin.
• Molecular structure characterization using FTIR and HPLC-MS/MS.
• Analysis of storage time, coagulation value, molecular size, and zeta potential under varying formaldehyde/phenol (F/P) and sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate/phenol (S/P) ratios.

Main Results:

• Sulfonation slows the condensation reaction and introduces sulfonate groups onto the oligomer structure.
• Increasing F/P ratio decreased storage time and zeta potential while increasing sedimentation value and diameter.
• Increasing S/P ratio significantly enhanced storage time (15 to 86 days), sedimentation value, and dispersion stability, while decreasing particle diameter.

Conclusions:

• Sulfonation is an effective method to improve the storage stability and dispersion of phenol-formaldehyde resins.
• Optimized SPF resin formulations offer potential for enhanced petroleum reservoir conformance control and broader applications.
• The study provides valuable insights for developing advanced PF resin-based materials.