The effect of microstructure on performance of associative polymer: In solution and porous media

► Associative polymer has an excellent apparent viscosifying capability. ► The effective viscosity of associative polymer is lower than that of conventional polymer. ► The microstructures of two types of polymers are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. ► In solution, associative polymer exhibits a more compact network than conventional polymer. ► In porous media, networks of conventional polymer are more intact than that of associative polymer.