Strength–density synergy of proppants via composition and structural tailoring of wood

Abstract

Proppants, providing robust support to prevent fracture closure and facilitate fluid flow channels, maximize the unconventional oil and gas extraction in the hydraulic fracturing process. Traditional materials like silica and ceramics offer high compressive strength but high density, necessitate high-viscosity carrying fluids to prevent their settling during placement. Balancing strength and density remains a persistent industry challenge. This research presents a cost-efficient and eco-friendly solution by harnessing abundant wood resources to produce high-compressive-strength proppants (up to 145.2 MPa) with customizable densities. These proppants demonstrate exceptional transportability and designated placement within fractures solely through the action of water, eliminating the need for expensive and hazardous chemical additives in the carrier fluids. Unlike conventional counterparts prone to crush and generating fine particles upon closure stress, wood proppants maintain structural integrity under formation compression, reducing the risk of flowback damage during oil production. This study offers a sustainable and economically viable strategy for revolutionizing proppant use in the unconventional oil and gas industry.