Combinatorial Development of Chitosan-Based Drilling Fluid Additives

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop chitosan-derivatives through proprietary chemistries for use as additives in oil and gas drilling fluids. For this specific application, it is important to tailor the viscoelastic properties of the chitosan derivatives. Since little is known about how polymer structure affects polymer properties, a combinatorial approach will be used on this project to screen for the viscoelastic properties of the derivatives. Specifically, a high throughput mechanical screen will be adapted and examined, with the results from the screen correlated with more extensive viscoelastic measurements. The commercial application of this project will be in the additives market for oil and gas exploration.