Synergistically hydrophobic-cationic rough silica nanoparticles for enhancing wellbore stability via suppressing rock water imbibition

Key Points

• Hydrophobic-cationic silica nanoparticles significantly enhance wellbore stability by reducing rock water imbibition, which is crucial for maintaining drilling integrity.
• The study reports a marked decrease in water imbibition rates, showing a reduction of up to 75% under experimental conditions.
• Assessment of the interaction between nanoparticles and rock formations reveals effective suppression of water uptake, providing critical insights into drilling performance.
• This approach supports the development of advanced materials for drilling applications, suggesting improved operational efficiency and safety.