Abstract:Hydrophobic associative polymer fracturing thickeners have a wide range of raw material sources, controllable costs, environmental friendliness, and unique amphiphilic structures. Compared with natural product thickeners and ordinary synthetic polymer thickeners, they have superior temperature, salt, and shear resistance, making them an important reagent for opening unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. With the continuous expansion of the application scenarios and uses of hydrophobic associative polymer fracturing thickeners, researchers have conducted a series of systematic and in-depth studies around it. This article first describes the synthesis method of hydrophobic associative polymer fracturing thickeners, and introduces the thickening mechanism and influencing factors of hydrophobic associative polymer fracturing thickeners. Then, a systematic review is conducted on the performance characteristics, mechanism of action, and application methods for integrated fracturing and oil (gas) displacement of hydrophobic associative polymer fracturing thickeners based on the structural classification of different hydrophobic monomers (long-chain alkyl type, quaternary ammonium salt type, alkyl polyether type, twin tail type, double substituted type, and composite type). Finally, the development of hydrophobic associative polymer fracturing thickeners is discussed, and it is pointed out that fine optimization, recombination, and collaborative construction should be carried out to optimize system performance from a new dimension, promoting the development of this research field towards collaborative innovation and integrated construction.