Effect of Nanocellulose in Cement Systems

Cellulose, the one of the most abundant biomaterials available in nature, is a polymer with cellobiose as the smallest repeating unit, with a degree of polymerization that can go up to 1000 for wood cellulose. The strength-to-weight ratio of nanocellulose is eight times greater than steel (Patchiya Phanthong et al). Nanocellulose in suspension (NCS) at a varied concentration helps increase properties of cement without changing the density of the cement slurry. Being mindful of challenges in oil and gas wells, efforts were made to enhance cement properties using nanocellulose within conventional and water-extended cement systems. Samples of 15.8-ppg conventional and 12 ppg water-extended cements were prepared by varying the proportion of nanocellulose within an aqueous suspension. Rheology, sedimentation, compressive strength and mechanical properties were analyzed for a conventional 15.8-ppg cement system with varying NCS proportions of 0, 2, 4, and 5% by weight of cement (BWOC). Similar work was performed for a 12 ppg water-extended cement system by varying NCS differently in proportions of 0, 5, 10, and 20% BWOC. Two-inch cubes were set at 170°F for 24 hours for each sample. They were crushed using hydraulic crush compressive strength equipment, and the force used to break the sample was recorded. Compressive strength for this cement system was measured to be 2450, 3250, 3450, and 3875 psi, respectively, for samples with 0, 2, 4, and 5% BWOC concentrations of NCS. An increase in the strength of cement with an increase in NCS percentage was observed for the 15.8-ppg slurry design, which may be attributed to the size and shape of the NCS. However, similar study carried out with 12 ppg water extended slurries showed decrease in overall compressive strength. Nano-sized particles fill the pores within the sample, impacting structural network development. Additionally, cellulose, having a fiber-like structure, may provide inter-particulate reinforcement. Based on the results of the 15.8-ppg cement system and the high tensile strength of nanocellulose, it can be determined that NCS has a positive effect for increasing mechanical properties. By applying nanocellulose, a tailored cement system (dependable barrier) can be designed to minimize risk and maximize production from oil and gas wells. Nanocellulose is of increasing interest for a range of applications relevant to the fields of material science and biomedical engineering because of its renewable nature, anisotropic shape, excellent mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, tailorable surface chemistry, and interesting optical properties. Low-volume NCS additions can alter the structure of the cured cement system and increase its mechanical properties. This reinforcing mechanism may provide a new opportunity for achieving higher strength cementitious materials.