Novel CO{sub 2}-thickeners for improved mobility control

The objective of this study was to incorporate carbon dioxide-philic functionalities into the structure of a telechelic ionomers in an attempt to design a carbon dioxide-thickener. Alkyl analogs of these end-functionalized polymers have been successfully employed in dilute concentration to increase the viscosity of organic liquids or to induce gelation. The ionic end-groups associated in solution, establishing a viscosity enhancing macromolecular structure. More dramatic viscosity changes have been attained at very dilute concentrations with low MW associating compounds than with ultra-high MW polymers. The apparent molecular weight of the associative network greatly exceeds the MW of the covalently-bounded polymer in solution, yet the relatively low molecular weight of the compound favors its solubilization