The quaternary polymer was synthesized by radical polymerization and characterized by 1H NMR. The tests of critical associating concentration and SEM suggest that there is a multilayered and robust network structure in the polymer solution. An excellent elasticity in the polymer solution by the first normal stress difference, viscoelasticity, and thixotropy was observed. The critical crosslinker concentration of polymer with sodium dodecyl sulfate and its interaction mechanism were investigated. According to the reaction kinetics, the supramolecular structure had the lowest activation energy, stable network structure, and greater thermal stability. Then the polymer was employed in the fracturing fluid due to its excellent elasticity using the intermolecular forces, which showed superior sand suspension capacity by dynamic sand suspension measurement. Meanwhile, a theoretical analysis was proposed as to why polymer solution has excellent suspension and drag reduction properties. Therefore, this polymer could be an alternative in many fields, especially in fracking, which is significant for the development of oil and gas resources in deep wells.
Keywords: excellent elasticity and low friction; fracturing fluid; hydrophobic associative water-soluble polymers; mechanism analysis; thermodynamic property.