Synthesis of new water-soluble swellable polymers is underway initiated with energy seed funds provided by the KU Energy Research Center. This polymer may have wide application to enhanced oil recovery and remediation of contaminated aquifers. This exploratory project initiates a new collaborative research for the measurement of diffusion and flow of aqueous polymer solutions through rock core samples. The analytical methodology is Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Imaging. Experiments will be performed at the High-field National Magnet Lab in Tallahassee, Florida through mid-2000 to image flow of polymer solutions in rock core samples.

Water Soluble and Water Swellable Block Co-Polymers

Several monomers were polymerized. The polymer readily absorbs up to 78 weight percent water, forming a relatively dense gel. We are currently pursuing studies of the pH dependence of the solubility and miscibility in the same manner. We are encouraged by reports of the greater water solubility of this material.

Funding Possibilities for this Work

Work should be fundable through energy-related funding sources including DOE. This research on polymers is also applicable to the remediation of contaminated aquifers and could possibly be funded by EPA pending final results of this initial exploratory research.