Synthesis and characterization of carboxymethylated cornstarch

The aim of this study is preparation and characterization of carboxymethylated cornstarch (CMCS) for potential application as water based drilling fluids. The cornstarch was modified by sodium monochloroacetate. The structure of cornstarch and CMCS was established by H1 NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The degree of carboxymethylation of cornstarch determined by H1 NMR spectroscopy was equal to 80%. The morphological properties of cornstarch and CMCS were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structural-mechanical, filtration and filter cake forming properties of drilling fluids and fluid loss indicators of CMCS were found. Studies have shown that the proposed new composition of drilling mud is superior in quality to drilling mud based on unmodified corn starch.