Utilization of Cellulose Nanocrystals Extracted from Corn Husk (Zea Mays L) for the Enhancement of Physicochemical Properties of Water Based Drilling Mud Formulation

Recently the challenge of obtaining suitable materials for the enhancement of physicochemical properties of water-based drilling formulation (WBDF) has been the focus of research in the oil and gas industry. In this paper, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from corn husk, abundant agricultural waste was utilized as an additive enhancer of WBDF. The extracted CNCs were characterized using various analytical techniques to determine their physical and chemical properties. The CNCs were then incorporated into water-based drilling mud formulations at different concentrations (1, 3, 6 g), and their effects on physicochemical properties of WBDF were evaluated. The results showed that the CNCs exhibited favorable characteristics making them suitable as enhancers in water-based drilling mud. Moreover, the addition of CNCs resulted in a substantial increase in the plastic viscosity (4.0–6.33 cP), apparent viscosity (11.3–19 cP), pH (9.0–9.7) associated to alkalinity, yield point (45.33–70 lb/100 ft2), and gel strength (20–47.67 lb/100 ft2) of the drilling mud, which is crucial for the efficiency in drilling operations. Overall, this paper emphasized the potential of utilizing the cellulose nanocrystals extracted from corn husk as a sustainable and effective enhancer in WBDF. The findings in this paper contribute to the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective drilling fluids for the oil and gas industry, offering a feasible solution for waste utilization and improving drilling performance.