Thermoset nanocomposite particles, processing for their production, and their use in oil and natural gas drilling applications
US7803741B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2998
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. It also relates to the optional further improvement of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.