Mechanical Properties and Structures of Oilwell Cement Stone Reinforced with Siliceous Whisker

To fully utilize the siliceous whiskers and improve the mechanical properties of oilwell cement, the cement composites with different additions of siliceous whiskers were prepared, and analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, Xray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectrum analysis. The results showed that the addition of 2% siliceous whiskers could slightly improve the compressive strength, and markedly increased the flexural and tensile strength as well as toughness; it also decreased the permeability and porosity of oilwell cement composites. Moreover, it was confirmed that the siliceous whisker could not affect the cement hydration process and hydration products. The improvement in mechanical properties and the more compact microstructure could be mainly resulted from enhancement mechanisms such as bridging, crack deflection, and pullingout in cement matrix.