The Strength and Microstructure Properties of Oil Well Cement with Halloysite Nanotube

Abstract

Halloysite nanotube has attracted more and more attention to reinforce cement for its excellent physical properties and chemical composition. In this study, effects of halloysite nanotube on compressive strength, flexural strength, micro-structure and hydration products of oil well cement were investigated. The results show that the compressive and flexural strength of cement with 3% halloysite nanotube was increased by 35.2% and 38.5%, and the porosity decreased by 14.95%, respectively. Based on the results of SEM and MIP, the following conclusions can be obtained. Halloysite nanotube promoted the hydration process because of its high surface area, filled in the pores of hardened cement paste for the nano size and expansion process, and formed cross-linking structure for the tube-like appearance, all of which lead to denser micro-structure and better strength performance of oil well cement eventually.