▎ 摘　　要

NOVELTY - The swellable article (10) comprises a matrix material or an elastomeric material, an exfoliatable graphene-based material (14) disposed in the matrix material, and an intercallant disposed between layers of the graphene-based material. The exfoliatable graphene-based material is operatively arranged to facilitate swelling of the swellable article upon exposure to a selected fluid by sorbing particles in the fluid, where the swelling enables the swellable article to engage an adjacent structure. The particles are hydrocarbons. USE - The swellable article is useful in downhole drilling and completions industry and for packer, isolation, actuation and sealing devices that react automatically upon exposure to particular downhole fluids such as oil and water. ADVANTAGE - The swellable article has improved pressure rating, strength, pliability and durability and good sealing characteristics, and can be tailored to various degrees of swellability. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The swellable article (10) comprises a matrix material or an elastomeric material, an exfoliatable graphene-based material (14) disposed in the matrix material, and an intercallant disposed between layers of the graphene-based material. The exfoliatable graphene-based material is operatively arranged to facilitate swelling of the swellable article upon exposure to a selected fluid by sorbing particles in the fluid, where the swelling enables the swellable article to engage an adjacent structure. The swellable article is operatively arranged to create a sealed engagement with the structure after swelling, and is configured to swell in a radial direction. The structure is a borehole and/or tubular structure. The intercallant is operatively arranged to expand upon application of heat to the intercallant to exfoliate the graphene-based material and arranged to react to exfoliate the graphene-based material. The particles are hydrocarbons. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for: (1) a method of making a swellable article; and (2) a method for creating a sealed engagement with a borehole and/or tubular structure after swelling using the swellable article. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of a process for making a swellable article. Swellable article (10) Exfoliatable graphene-based material compound (12) Graphene-based material (14) Intercalating agent (16) Swellable material. (24)