Wettability alteration of sandstone with Zinc Oxide nano-particles

In this research, we have investigated wettability alteration of sandstone and crude oil surfaces contacting nanofluids formulated by ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO nanofluid was mixed by dispersing into water solution of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate that is an anionic surfactant. ZnO concentration (w/w) in the fluid ranges from 500 ppm to 5000 ppm. Oil film spread on glass plate and surface of Berea sandstone saturated by light crude oil were used to measure fluid wettability evaluated by the contact angle of fluid droplets with the sessile drop methods. It has been confirmed that the ZnO nanofluid has a potential to shift wettability to more water wet condition on the surfaces of oil film and sandstone saturated by oil.