Preparation and evaluation of supramolecular fracturing fluid of hydrophobically associative polymer and viscoelastic surfactant

A novel fracturing fluid (NAF) comprising of self-synthesized β-cyclodextrin-functionalized hydrophobically associative polymer (HMPAM) and viscoelastic surfactant (VES) was developed. The apparent viscosity of NAF was several times more than that of HMPAM and VES alone. The supramolecular complex gel was achieved by weak physical attractive forces, including intermolecular hydrophobic association, host-guest inclusion, and self-assembly between hydrophobic chains and wormlike micelles. NAF possessed favorable temperature tolerance, shearing resistance, and proppant suspension ability due to its multiple supramoelcular behaviors and high viscoelasticity. Moreover, the gel could be completely broken with no residue, and the broken fluid was easy to flow back. The results indicated that NAF is an effective fracturing fluid and might have favorable application during hydraulic fracturing.