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Abstract
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Bentonite, a smectite clay mineral, is essential in
petroleum operations for its swelling capacity, thixotropy,
and cation exchange properties. However, its effectiveness
in high-salinity and high-temperature environments remains
a significant challenge. This review synthesizes
advanced engineering strategies to enhance bentonite’s
performance for modern petroleum applications. It examines
activation methods, including acid, thermal, alkaline,
and nanomaterial treatments, and their effects on colloidal
stability and rheological properties. The review highlights
bentonite’s role in enhanced oil recovery, showing that
polymer-clay nanocomposites improve thermal stability and
conformance control. Data indicate that adding bentonite
can extend polyacrylamide gel lifespan from 37 to 120 days at
100 °C and increase elastic modulus by 40 %. The review also
evaluates Iranian bentonite reserves as a case study,
analyzing their mineralogy and activation needs. By linking
fundamental properties with targeted engineering, this review
offers a strategic framework for developing advanced
bentonite technologies to support more sustainable and
efficient hydrocarbon recovery.
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