Polycardanol or Sulfonated Polystyrene as Flocculants for Asphaltene Dispersions

Abstract

Polycardanol with different molar mass and sulfonated polystyrene with various degrees of sulfonation were prepared by cationic polymerization of cardanol and sulfonation of polystyrene in ethyl sulfate solution, respectively. The molar masses, solution behavior, and effect of these polymers on the stability of asphaltene dispersion were studied as a function of the concentration. The results indicate that, at low concentrations, both sets of polymers behave as flocculants and dispersants at higher concentrations. The flocculation efficiency correlates, within certain limits, with the polymer molar mass and polar groups content.