Synthesis of Titania-Bentonite Nanocomposite and its Applications in Water-Based Drilling Fluids

Titania or TiO2-bentonite nanocomposite was synthesised by environmental friendly and cost effective hydrothermal method. Synthesised nanocomposite was successfully characterised by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The target of the study was to enhance the rheological behaviour of the water-based drilling fluid (WBDF) by using synthesised nanocomposite. The experimental results revealed that Titania-bentonite nanocomposite exhibited better rheological characteristics than conventional WBDF. Rheological properties in particular yield point (YP) and 10-min gel strength (10-min GS) were improved by 57 % and 40 % compared to basic drilling fluid after addition of 1.0 g of the synthesised nanocomposite at 65.56 °C. API filtrate loss volume and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) filtrate loss volume were slightly reduced by 10 %, and 9.2 %. These scientific results can be used to formulate enhanced WBDF at elevated temperatures.