Abstract: Compositions and methods pertaining to the ultrafine grinding of soft materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises the step of mixing a soft material with an additive to form a mixture. The method further comprises raising the temperature of the mixture to at least the glass transition temperature of the soft material. The method further comprises cooling the temperature of the mixture. The method further comprises grinding the mixture to form ultrafine particles that comprise at least a portion of the soft material.

Abstract: Compositions and methods pertaining to the ultrafine grinding of soft materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises the step of mixing a soft material with an additive to form a mixture. The method further comprises raising the temperature of the mixture to at least the glass transition temperature of the soft material. The method further comprises cooling the temperature of the mixture. The method further comprises grinding the mixture to form ultrafine particles that comprise at least a portion of the soft material.

Abstract: Methods that include a method comprising: providing a degradable polymer and one solvent, wherein the solvent comprises an aqueous fluid selected from the group consisting of fresh water, salt water, brine, seawater, and combinations thereof; combining the degradable polymer and the solvent to form a degradable polymer composition; allowing the degradable polymer to at least partially plasticize; and applying sufficient shear to the degradable polymer composition so that degradable particulates begin to form. Additional methods are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods of completing subterranean producing zones containing unconsolidated sands penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods are basically comprised of placing a sand screen in the zone, isolating the annulus between the sand screen and the well bore in the zone, introducing particulate solids and foam forming pellets or open cell foam pieces with or without particulate solids and foam forming pellets into the annulus between the sand screen and the well bore to thereby form a formation sand screening permeable pack in the annulus. When utilized, the foam forming pellets are activated by heat or other means to form a foam which expands and solidifies in the pack thereby eliminating voids and strengthening the pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and compositions for consolidating unconsolidated subterranean zones. The compositions of the invention are low viscosity hardenable epoxy resin compositions which are basically comprised of an epoxy resin, a N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone diluent and an effective amount of a hardening agent.

Abstract: Improved methods of propping a fracture in a subterranean zone whereby the subsequent flow-back of the proppant is prevented are provided. The methods basically include the steps of placing a mixture of fibrous bundles and the proppant in the fracture while maintaining the fracture open and then allowing the fracture to close on the mixture of fibrous bundles and proppant.