Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one sulfonated surfactant composition and one or more multi-arm star macromolecules having a core and a plurality of polymeric arms, and methods of preparing and using the same. In one aspect of the invention, this composition is capable of increasing the viscosity, and/or temperature-stability to an aqueous system.

Abstract: A procedure for improved temperature control in controlled radical polymerization processes is disclosed. The procedure is directed at controlling the concentration of the persistent radical in ATRP and NMP polymerizations procedures and the concentration of radicals in a RAFT polymerization process by feeding a reducing agent or radical precursor continuously or intermittently to the reaction medium through one of more ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm salt-tolerant star macromolecules, and methods of preparing and using the same. In one aspect of the invention, a salt-tolerant star macromolecule is capable of providing salt-tolerance to an aqueous composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm star macromolecules which are used as thickening agents or rheology modifiers, including use in hydraulic fracturing fluid compositions. In one aspect of the invention, a star macromolecule is capable of thickening via a dual mechanism comprising (1) self-assembly of the hydrophobic polymerized segments of the star macromolecules via hydrophobic interactions or associations, and (2) association, reaction, or combination of the hydroxyl-containing polymerized segments of one or more of the star macromolecules.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm surfactant-system thickening star macromolecules, and methods of preparing and using the same. In one aspect of the invention, a surfactant-system thickening star macromolecule is capable of providing surfactant-compatibility, increase the viscosity of a surfactant-containing system, and/or temperature-stability to an aqueous composition.

Abstract: Oil soluble rheology modifying star macromolecules having a core and five or more polymeric arms, and compositions comprising the same. The polymeric arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each polymeric arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and each polymeric arm comprises a monomeric unit of a methyl methacrylate. The oil soluble rheology modifying star macromolecules and compositions comprising the same for use in oil based systems.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising star macromolecules is provided. Each star macromolecule has a core and five or more arms, wherein the number of arms within a star macromolecule varies across the composition of star molecules. The arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one arm and/or at least one segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other arm or one other segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm star macromolecules which are used as thickening agents or rheology modifiers, including use in hydraulic fracturing fluid compositions. In one aspect of the invention, a star macromolecule is capable of thickening via a dual mechanism comprising (1) self-assembly of the hydrophobic polymerized segments of the star macromolecules via hydrophobic interactions or associations, and (2) association, reaction, or combination of the hydroxyl-containing polymerized segments of one or more of the star macromolecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm surfactant-system thickening star macromolecules, and methods of preparing and using the same. In one aspect of the invention, a surfactant-system thickening star macromolecule is capable of providing surfactant-compatibility, increase the viscosity of a surfactant-containing system, and/or temperature-stability to an aqueous composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm salt-tolerant star macromolecules, and methods of preparing and using the same. In one aspect of the invention, a salt-tolerant star macromolecule is capable of providing salt-tolerance to an aqueous composition.

Abstract: Oil soluble rheology modifying star macromolecules having a core and five or more polymeric arms, and compositions comprising the same. The polymeric arms on a star are covalently attached to the core of the star; each polymeric arm comprises one or more (co)polymer segments; and at least one polymeric arm and/or at least one polymeric segment exhibits a different solubility from at least one other polymeric arm or one other polymeric segment, respectively, in a reference liquid of interest. The oil soluble rheology modifying star macromolecules and compositions comprising the same for use in oil based systems.