Self-assembly properties of ultra-long-chain gemini surfactant with high performance in a fracturing fluid application

A new cationic gemini surfactant (C25-6-C25), which had a special structure consisting of ultra-long hydrophobic chains and amide groups, was synthesized using a main feedstock source obtained from rapeseed for thickening purposes. The 12 mmol L−1 C25-6-C25 fluid containing 0.19 mol L−1 potassium chloride (KCl) exhibited highly elastic properties at the angular frequency of 0.04–10 rad s−1. Its viscosity could be maintained at 55 mPa s for 1.5 h under a shear rate of 170 s−1 at 110 °C and it also showed a good proppant-suspending property. C25-6-C25/KCl fluid exhibited high viscoelasticity and good performance, which were attributed to intermolecular forces, hydrogen bonding, and the shielding effect of electrostatic repulsion by KCl. Thus, C25-6-C25 is a very promising candidate for fracturing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44602. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.