Review of Applicable Polymeric Viscosifiers and Nanomaterials in the Oil Industry

The optimization of rheological properties in drilling and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) fluids plays a pivotal role in improving the efficiency of petroleum operations. Viscosifiers, as essential additives, enhance fluid viscosity, facilitating better cutting transport, wellbore stability, and hydrocarbon displacement. Over the years, researchers have investigated a wide range of natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic polymers to address reservoir challenges such as high temperatures, salinity, and the presence of divalent ions. While natural polymers like xanthan and guar gum offer environmental benefits, their stability under extreme conditions is limited. In contrast, synthetic polymers, particularly acrylamide derivatives, exhibit superior performance but remain susceptible to thermal degradation and salinity effects. Recent advancements, including the incorporation of nanoparticles and the development of hydrophobically modified associative polymers (HMAPs) and thermo-viscosifying polymers (TVPs), have introduced innovative solutions to these challenges. This review explores the evolution, applications, and prospects of polymeric viscosifiers in the oil industry, emphasizing their role in improving fluid performance under harsh reservoir conditions in drilling and EOR operations.