Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of forming a polymer composite by exposing a solution that includes nanomaterials (e.g., functionalized graphene nanoribbons) and cross-linkable polymer components (e.g., thermoset polymers and monomers) to a microwave source, where the exposing results in the curing of the cross-linkable polymer component in the presence of the nanomaterial to form the polymer composite. The solution may be exposed to a microwave source in a geological formation such that the formed polymer composite becomes embedded with the geological formation and thereby enhances the stability of the geological formation. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned polymer composites.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved aerated compositions comprising stabilized colloidal or colloidal-like phases (e.g., emulsions, aphrons) and methods of using those compositions. The compositions generally comprise an oleaginous bulk phase, an aqueous minor phase, one or more surfactants, aphrons and one or more aphrons stabilizers. The compositions of the present invention are stable, having increased half-lives and are capable of being used in high pressure applications.