Synthesis comparative evaluation of hydrophobic polymer/surfactant fracturing fluids on methane adsorption–desorption and pore structure modifications in coal

作者：Xiaoqiang Zhang, Jinghong Sun, Chuandong Liu, Qiang Sun · 发表于：International Journal of Coal Science & Technology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1007/s40789-025-00825-x · 被引用次数：14 · 研究领域：Coal Properties and Utilization、Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis、Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena

Abstract Traditional fracturing fluids often face limitations in achieving a balance between viscosity, gel-breaking capability, and formation protection, which poses a significant challenge for the development of optimally performing fluids in mining applications. This study introduces a novel hydrophobic polymer/surfactant composite (HSC) fracturing fluids synthesized by cross-linking hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl guar gum (HMHPG) with a gemini-surfactant amide-based bisquaternary ammonium salt (GS-A6). The performance characteristics were evaluated through comparative analysis with conventional fracturing fluids, focusing on viscosity, gel-breaking properties, methane adsorption–desorption behavior, and effects on coal pore structures. The HSC fracturing fluids, comprising 0.2% HMHPG + 0.8% GS-A6, demonstrated superior performance metrics. The viscosity achieved was three times higher than that of the 0.8% GS-A6 fracturing fluids, while the gel-breaking time was reduced by 50% compared to the 0.2% HPG fracturing fluids. The HSC fracturing fluids exhibited reduced impact on methane adsorption and desorption in coal samples, with a 24% lower adsorption damage factor compared to HPG fracturing fluids. Analysis of coal pore structures revealed a decrease in fractal dimension D 1 , indicating surface smoothing effects due to controlled plugging. The developed HSC fracturing fluids demonstrates significant improvements in key performance parameters while minimizing form...