Eutectic metal alloy in drilling fluids and methods of use thereof

A method comprising:

• pumping a drilling fluid downhole in a wellbore, the drilling fluid comprising:
• water;
• a mixed metal oxide viscosifier;
• a clay viscosifier;
• and
• solid eutectic metal alloy particles,
• wherein the drilling fluid has a pH in a range of from 7 to 12,
• wherein the solid eutectic metal alloy is present in the fluid composition in an amount that is in a range of about 50 lbm/bbl to about 300 lbm/bbl;
• and
• wherein the solid eutectic metal alloy particles have an average particles size ranging from 500 nm to 300 microns,
• allowing the drilling fluid to reach a target zone, the target zone being an area of elevated permeability,
• forming a filter cake in the target zone, the filter cake comprising the solid eutectic metal alloy particles,
• heating the filter cake to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the solid eutectic metal alloy particles, causing the solid eutectic metal alloy particles to at least partially melt and become liquid eutectic metal alloy particles,
• discontinuing heating the filter cake, and
• cooling the filter cake to a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the solid eutectic metal alloy particles, producing a strengthened filter cake.