Novel cement slurry containing micro-encapsulated phase change materials: Characterization, application and mechanism analysis

Cementing is the key factor in releasing ocean oil and gas resources, but more than 70% of marine cementing faces the challenge of hydrates decomposition. Thus, during this study, the micro-encapsulated phase change material Micro-P1 was prepared by paraffin wax, urea formaldehyde resin and graphene oxide through in situ polymerization. Firstly, the application performances of Micro-P1 were studied, and the results show that the performances were significantly improved by graphene oxide. Secondly, a novel cement slurry containing Micro-P1 was prepared, and the heat evolution was successfully controlled by Micro-P1. Thirdly, the thermal control mechanism of Micro-P1 on heat evolution of cement slurry was also investigated, which indicated the heat evolution was controlled through endothermic effect firstly. Simultaneously, the hydration reaction of cement slurry was delayed by Micro-P1, in this way, the heat evolution was further controlled. The highlights of this study is that the heat evolution was successfully controlled by using Micro-P1, and provides technical support for exploration and development of ocean oil and gas resources, especially hydrates formation. Furthermore, the thermal control mechanism of Micro-P1 on the heat evolution was firstly investigated in this study.