Polyethyleneimine/nano-silica core–shell materials with different degrees of branching for improving shale hydration inhibition and plugging in water-based drilling fluids

Key Points

• To improve shale hydration inhibition and plugging in water-based drilling fluids using core-shell materials.
• Developed core-shell materials using polyethyleneimine and nano-silica with varying branching degrees.
• Evaluated the performance of these materials in inhibiting shale hydration and enhancing plugging properties.
• Polyethyleneimine and nano-silica materials showed effective shale hydration inhibition.
• Improved stability of well walls during shale development was observed.