Preformed particle gels for enhanced oil recovery

This study refers to the synthesis of new advanced preformed particle gels (PPGs) based on 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), Polyvinyl Pirrolidone (PVP) and bentonite clay. For the synthesis, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-methylenebisacrylamide was used as crosslinker and ammonium persulphate as initiator. As a consequence of the inclusion of clay into the polymer matrix and the intercalation of AMPS between the layers as well as the presence of hydrophilic interactions occurring between partners, the final PPGs possessed greater swelling degrees, slower de-swelling process, high thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties in comparison with pure PPG.