Single-Step Measurement of Elastic Modulus and Adhesion Mapping of Surface of Carbonate Reservoir Rocks

The surface of a carbonate rock, representing the surface of a natural oil reservoir, has been characterized with a new atomic force microscopy mode, namely the PeakForceTM tapping. Employing this technique it was possible to map the mechanical properties and adhesion forces simultaneously with the topography of the sample. While mechanical properties find great utility in drilling operations and fluid dynamics, adhesion forces give an indication of the sample’s surface energy which in turn can provide an understanding of the behavior of the surface and the adsorption mechanisms of water or oil components.