Desenvolvimento e avaliação de nanocompósitos de EVA :argilominerais e compósitos de EVA: dendrímero como redutores de ponto de fluidez e otimizadores da garantia de escoamento de sistemas parafínicos e de petróleo

Abstract

During production, transport, and logistics activities of crude oil, it is necessary to use methods to prevent operational problems caused by waxes precipitation. To overcome this problem polymeric additives can be used, and polymeric composites are a promising alternative. In this work, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) containing 10 mol% vinyl acetate was used as a load of EVA:clay minerals nanocomposites and EVA:dendrimer composites. All nanocomposites were able to reduce the pour point, while EVA had no effect. Among nanocomposites, the EVA:palygorskite were the most efficient pour point depressants for both model system and oils. Besides reducing the pour point, the EVA:dendrimer composites also significantly reduced the viscosity of the systems and induced the formation of a differentiated waxy crystal morphology. In general, both nanocomposites and composites were more efficient than pure EVA and acted by modifying the waxy crystals' morphology and improving the flow. When compared, EVA:clay minerals nanocomposites performed better than EVA:dendrimer composites in improving the flow assurance of waxy systems