Abstract: Ceramic particulates useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing and in gravel packing operations is provided which comprises a ceramic (sometimes vitreous) core surrounded by an epoxy resin coating. Novolac epoxy resin compounds without any substantial acid soluble filler are used to coat ceramic particulates similar to those discloses in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,680,230 and 4,632,876. The result is a product which combines the excellent solvent resistance of the ceramics with the acid resistance of the resin. The resin coating gives the added benefits of lower specific gravity and improved crush resistance.

Abstract: Ceramic particulate useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing and in gravel packing operations is provided which comprises a ceramic (sometimes vitreous) core surrounded by an epoxy resin coating. Novolac epoxy resin compounds without any substantial acid soluble filler are used to coat ceramic particulates similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,680,230 and 4,632,876. The result is a product which combines the excellent solvent resistance of the ceramics with the acid resistance of the resin. The resin coating gives the added benefits of lower specific gravity and improved crush resistance.