Talc or layered magnesium silicates is a member of 2:1 trioctahedral phyllosilicate with the mineralogical composition Mg6Si8O20(OH)4. Layered magnesium silicate sheet consists of brucite layers sandwiched between tetrahedral silica sheets, forms a nanometer-thick layer. The magnesium silicates are employed numerous industrial applications owing to their availability in nature and ability to functionalize the layered structure through chemical functionalization. Most of the industrial application are based on the use of naturally available magnesium silicates. In the current research study, we have developed synthetic protocol to manufacture layered magnesium silicates with various organic functionalities, which are ranging from high oleophilic to hydrophilic groups. A facile synthetic approach is employed to synthesize these nanometer-thick magnesium silicates with organic functionalities anchored through highly stable covalent linkages. The hexadecyl (–(CH2)15CH3), phenyl (–C6H5), hydroxyl –OH), and amine (–NH2) are linked on the surface of the layered magnesium silicates. The oleophilic functionalized magnesium silicates are utilized as additives for diesel-based drilling fluids and hydrophilic functionalized magnesium silicates are used in water-based drilling fluids to sustain the rheological properties under high pressure high temperature. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated effect of polar group functionalized magnesium silicates for clay stabilization to tackle the borehole collapse during oil and gas well drilling operations.

Industrial application of synthetic layered magnesium silicates

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.