Abstract: A method for the production of polyasparagine is provided wherein the polyasparagine is prepared by ammonolysis of polysuccinimide in liquid ammonia, acting both as a solvent and as a reactant, wherein the polysuccinimide can be any polysuccinimide, such as linear, branched or cross-linked, wherein the polyasparagine produced has high % N content and is neutral as opposed to anionic or cationic.

Abstract: Compositions and method for resisting soil erosion. The compositions comprise either an aqueous mixture of a polymer mixed with an organic material or, alternatively, a polymer and organic material that can be mixed in water. The polymer preferably comprises polyacrylamide having anionic functional groups and the organic base comprises either cellulose, mulch and/or seed and mulch. The methods of the present invention comprise providing or forming an aqueous mixture of the compositions of the present invention and applying them to an area of land sought to be provided with soil erosion resistance.

Abstract: Fracturing fluid compositions and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The compositions are useful in the oil and gas drilling operations, as well as in gravel packing operations, water blocking, temporary plugging for purposes of wellbore isolation and/or fluid loss control, and other uses. The compositions comprise a liquid, a polymer soluble in the liquid, having a degree of substitution of ionic groups of about 0.01 to about 0.1; and a crosslinking agent capable of increasing the viscosity of the fracturing fluid by crosslinking the polymer in liquid.

Abstract: Coated particles made of particulate substrates having a coating of resin and fibrous material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The coated substrate particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The coated substrate particles are also useful for sand control, that is, acting as a filter or screen to prevent backwards flow of sand, other proppants or subterranean formation particles. Methods of making the coated particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and method for resisting soil erosion. The compositions comprise either an aqueous mixture of a polymer mixed with an organic material or, alternatively, a polymer and organic material that can be mixed in water. The polymer preferably comprises polyacrylamide having anionic functional groups and the organic base comprises either cellulose, mulch and/or seed and mulch. The methods of the present invention comprise providing or forming an aqueous mixture of the compositions of the present invention and applying them to an area of land sought to be provided with soil erosion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition having a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology. These co-continuous interconnecting channels are predominately occupied with a polymer and particles that control the percolation through the composition. The particles are composed of a material such as an absorbing agent, releasing agent and/or activation agent. The polymer composition may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a resin and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Encapsulated crosslinking agents and gel-forming compositions are provided that can be utilized in oil field applications. Processes for producing said encapsulated crosslinking agents and said gel-forming compositions are also provided. In addition, a process for injecting said gel-forming composition into a subterranean formation is also provided.

Abstract: A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization. Alternatively, a heterogeneous mixture may be produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with polyolefins of chemical structure CnH2n or R—C2nH3n, and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids or polyolefin compounds. When applied to soil the carrier provides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid or polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized carboxylic acid and/or polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate.

Abstract: For well kill treatment to prevent the intrusion of formation fluids into the wellbore while the well is open, a well kill additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well kill fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: A method is provided for incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of particulates and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. A method is also provided for excavating solid particulates, incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of solid particulates, and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. The particulates can be transported through pipelines or boreholes. Examples of particulates include, but are not limited to, mine tailings, ores, sand, coal, soils, clays, silts, aggregates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for applying liquid plastic polymers to soil surfaces in order to form a continuous membrane film for soil mulch. The plastic mulch is useful for enhancing crop production, disinfestation of soil by solarization and prevention of soil erosion. Additionally, the invention includes procedures for applying and spraying the liquid plastic polymers to form an effective and economic film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cement composition for cementing oil, gas and geothermal wells comprising: a cement; and an additive comprising a blend of a sodium silicate; water; a carrageenan suspending agent; a sodium polyacrylate; an AMPS terpolymer; a dispersant; and a cellulosic water soluble polymer. The dispersant may comprise a sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate or a sulfonated ketone acetone formaldehyde condensate. The cellulosic water soluble polymer may comprise HEC or CMHEC. The invention can also function to reduce the occurrence of gas channelling and stabilize foam created by adding nitrogen gas to cement.

Abstract: A method of making surfactants from lignin is disclosed by reducing lignin in the presence of a metal oxide or iron based catalyst in an organic hydrogen donor solvent to produce lignin phenol and subjecting the lignin phenol to one or a combination of several reactions such as alkoxylation, alkylation, sulfonation, sulfation, alkoxysulfation, and sulfomethylation. The lignin surfactants so produced can be employed in a surfactant system to recover oil from underground formations.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer composition containing water and hydrophilic polymers and a method for treating subterranean formations with the composition to reduce formation permeability. The hydrophilic polymers are a mixture of high-molecular-weight polymers having a molecular weight of at least about 2,000,000, and low-molecular-weight polymers having a molecular weight of up to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: An improved proppant and a method of increasing the conductivity of the fractures of subterranean formations is described. The proppant contains a mixture of bondable particles and removable particles. The bondable particles within a subterranean formation, adhere to adjacent bondable particles to form a permanent, self-supporting matrix and the removable particles from the self supporting matrix the ambient conditions of the fracture. The conductivity of the fracture and the overall productivity of the hydraulic operation is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ground surface structure for prevention of weed growing. The structure includes a germination-preventing sheet (2) resistant to penetration of buds of a plant and laid over the surface of a selected ground (1). The structure also includes a surface layer (3) formed by accumulating a water-repellent earth material on the germination-preventing sheet (2). The earth material includes material grains formed with silicone coating. Typically, the germination-preventing sheet (2) is made of a nonwoven fabric material and resistant to penetration of buds of a plant. Further, the sheet blocks the passage of light, but exhibits water permeability and air permeability.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the decontamination of waste matter, in particular for soil remediation. The methods include making and applying a polymer composition to waste matter and subjecting the waste matter and polymer composition to radiation, preferably microwave radiation.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch.

Abstract: A method of preventing and treating dry spots on the grass surface of a golf course comprising the sprinkling of a mixture of a nonionic surfactant and a water soluble polymer on the grass surface. The development of dry spots on the grass surface of a golf course can be prevented and also already developed dry spots can be treated and reduced by this method.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated cationic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition is provided to control soil erosion and for conditioning soil to prevent fugitive dust and stabilizing roadway surfaces. the composition contains monomeric resins, enzymes, surfactants and water. The composition can be sprayed onto the soil or admixed and distributed with the soil and followed by compacting with a roller or pneumatic compactor.

Abstract: The invention teaches a stone/soil urban tree mix that can safely support pavements yet also provide ample rooting area--a current limitation--for street trees that are planted close to the pavement. By expanding the rooting zone, the mix allows increased tree growth, decreased tree mortality, and decreased sidewalk failure. The mix employs a stone aggregate that is coated with an acrylamide hydrogel slurry, creating matrix pores that suspend the soil that is added to the mix in specific amounts. The criterion for determining the critical stone to soil dry-weight mixing ratios for various stone and soil types are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the surface stabilization of sand and/or soil is provided. The method is comprised of applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to the surface layer of soil. The aqueous polymer dispersion is comprised of triesters of glycerol with lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, citric acid triesters with lower aliphatic monohydric alcohols and/or epoxidized triglycerides of at least partly olefinically unsaturated fatty acids as biodegradable plasticizers in aqueous polyvinyl acetate dispersions.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated anionic polymers containing mixtures of cationic organic salts and kosmotropic salts as well as processes for making and using the same to condition soil are disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of fatty acids or fatty alcohols--which are solid at room temperature and/or which cure in the presence of air--and/or at least substantially water-insoluble esters, ethers and/or salts thereof with, in particular, polyvalent cations as degradable and biologically safe stabilizers for increasing the water resistance of soil impregnations based on polyvinyl esters, more particularly PVAc.

Abstract: A composition and methods for converting a chrysotile asbestos-containing material to a non-regulated environmentally benign solid which comprises a fluoro acid decomposing agent capable of dissociating the chrysotile asbestos to non-regulated components, wherein non-regulated components are non-reactive with the environment, and a binding agent which binds the non-regulated components to form an environmentally benign solid.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powdery, water-swellable, cross-linked polymers having a high absorption capacity for aqueous liquids, in particular body fluids, under load, which polymers are formed of:a) 55-99.9%-wt. acid-groups-containing monomers which are neutralized to the extent of at least 50 mole-%,b) 0-40%-wt. of monomers which are copolymerizable with a),c) 0.1-5.0%-wt. of at least one cross-linking agent,d) 0-30%-wt. of a water-soluble polymer.The cations of the salts according to a) are Li.sup.+, Na.sup.+, preferably K.sup.+, Cs.sup.+, Rb.sup.+, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary methyl ammonium ions, either alone or in combination. The polymers are manufactured in that a blowing agent based on carbon dioxide is added to the monomers, followed by polymerization, that the polymer is dried and then heated to a temperature of 100.degree.-300.degree. C. with one or several compounds which are reactive for surface cross-linkage.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed: ##STR1## wherein L.sup.1 is a main group atom, L.sup.2 is a neutral ligand, M is a transition element or a metal element of Group 13, 14, 15, or 16 of the Periodic Table, x is the number of coordination sites of M, R.sup.1 is a polymerizable group, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are ligands, and R.sup.5 is an anionic ligand. The compounds or monomers of formula (I) are capable of conversion to polymers by combination with one or more other known monomers, such as methyl methacrylate. Such polymers can then be added as a binder in a paint formulation to make marine antifouling coating compositions. Also described is a method to prevent fouling on surfaces wherein a composition containing a metal complex compound of formula (II): ##STR2## wherein M, x, L.sup.2, n, and R.sup.4 have the same meaning as in formula (I), is applied to the surface susceptible to fouling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substitute ground surface material comprising a granular component comprising sand and at least one of clay or silt, wherein the granular component is treated with a binder comprising an interpolymer dissolved or dispersed in a non or low aromatic oil and wherein the binder is generally fluid at the treating conditions. In a process for treating existing dirt tracks or existing synthetic tracks, an aqueous emulsion of the interpolymer/oil bind is sprayed on the existing dirt track to form the substitute ground surface in-situ.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of low viscous, water soluble polymer dispersions on an aqueous basis with a high concentration of the active substance, containing a polymerizate A) synthesized from the monomeric components, hydrophobic monomers and optionally amphiphilic monomers, which exhibit an average molecular weight M.sub.w of at least 5.times.10.sup.5 Dalton and contain at least one polymeric dispersing agent D), where in a first step an aqueous dispersion PD) is prepared from the polymerizate A) and at least one polymeric dispersing agent D); in a second step an aqueous, highly concentrated dispersion PD') is prepared from the aqueous dispersion PD) by extracting the water; and in a third step an aqueous dispersion PD") with a high content of the active substance is prepared through the addition of an aqueous dispersion of at least one polymeric dispersing agent D) to the concentrated dispersion PD'), and where the second and third process step can be repeated in succession.

Abstract: A sprayable composition and a method of protecting material with the composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a polymer such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, clay, and water to provide a cover layer which, after spraying, is tough, flexible and water-repellent. Other materials such as shredded paper and gypsum can be used in the cover layer. The composition is effective as a cover layer over material such as soil, refuse at a dump site, or grain in a stockpile.

Abstract: A soil treatment process is provided utilizing a foamed gel to block the flow of a migratory fluid in a soil. Placement of the foamed gel in a desired treatment region of the soil produces a seal that substantially eliminates the permeability of the treatment region to the migratory fluid and prevents migration of fluid across the region. In each of its numerous embodiments, the process can be employed as either a remedial or a preventative treatment.

Abstract: A three-part dry blended soluble mixture which includes a water soluble hydroxyl group bearing polymer, a covalent crosslinking agent, and a catalyst is made into an aqueous solution which is then applied to any underlying material of choice. After drying, the crosslinked polymer forms a material that is completely insoluble in water, thereby serving as a binder or tackifier. One additive that may be included with the dry blend is wood fiber in an approximate weight ratio of nine to one and thereafter this dry blend is combined with water where the three-part dry blend goes into solution while the fibers remain in suspension. This composition is then spray applied to any underlying material and upon drying, there is formed a bonded fiber matrix which is relatively strong and which has many applications such as for use as an erosion control/seeding material, a covering for landfills, or a covering for other particulate materials stored in an outside location.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a subterranean formation which includes introducing a stabilizing composition into a subterranean formation, for example, by pumping into and through cracks and crevices in the formation and allowing the stabilizing compositions to cure thereby stabilizing the formation. The stabilizing composition includes a non-shrink synthetic resin, a catalyst and various additives and fillers.

Abstract: A soil hardening method is for stabilizing soil through the process of drying and grinding the soil, and applying a first agent and a second agent to the soil until the agents are uniformly infiltrated between soil particles to improve hardening, water proofing and stabilization of the soil. The soil mortar can be applied for all types of the soil including silt, clay, and sand, and soil with high moisture content. The soil mortar is economical due to its short working times, and in addition it has uniform curing and is waterproof.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a soil-stabilizing agent with less emission of dust, good reactivity, good behavior at mixing and good dispersibility and a method for soil stabilizing treatment capable of restraining the emission of dust in the procedure of sprinkling and mixing of the soil-stabilizing agent to soil.The soil-stabilizing agent according to the present invention comprises a mixture of a material mainly composed of quick lime and/or calcined dolomite and fibrillatable polytetrafluoroethylene resin.And the method for soil-stabilizing treatment according to the present invention comprises the following steps; adding a mixture of a material mainly composed of quick lime and/or calcined dolomite and fibrillatable polytetrafluoroethylene resin to soil, and mixing them under the hydration heat generated by the reaction between the quick lime and/or calcined dolomite with moisture in the soil to form hydrated material.

Abstract: A process is described for rock consolidation, e.g. in tunnel construction and mining, by injection of aqueous preparations of melamine resin condensates and/or urea formaldehyde condensates together with an acid curing agent. The process is characterized by the use of aqueous solutions of hydrogen sulfate salts, especially solutions of alkali and/or ammonium bisulfates, as curing agents. The curing agent solutions can contain additional auxiliary agents and active substances such as corrosion inhibitors, structurizers and adhesion agents. Preferred resin solutions for consolidation with these aqueous curing agents contain added zeolite NaA and/or hydrosodalite for increasing their serviceability, and especially for prolonging their storage life.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a soil-stabilizing agent with less emission of dust, good reactivity, good behavior at mixing and good dispersibility and a method for soil stabilizing treatment capable of restraining the emission of dust in the procedure of sprinkling and mixing of the soil-stabilizing agent to soil.The soil-stabilizing agent according to the present invention comprises a mixture of a material mainly composed of quick lime and/or calcined dolomite and fibrillatable polytetrafluoroethylene resin.And the method for soil-stabilizing treatment according to the present invention comprises the following steps; adding a mixture of a material mainly composed of quick lime and/or calcined dolomite and fibrillatable polytetrafluoroethylene resin to soil, and mixing them under the hydration heat generated by the reaction between the quick lime and/or calcined dolomite with moisture in the soil to form hydrated material.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous preparations of acid-catalyzed melamine resins and/or urea-formaldehyde condensates which contain an addition of zeolite NaA and/or hydroxysodalite to increase their usefulness. The preparations in question are particularly suitable for use in the stabilization of rock and/or plugging of cavities, for example in tunneling and mining. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a process for stabilizing rock, for example in tunneling and mining, by injection of corresponding preparations together with an acidic catalyst.

Abstract: A composition suited for addition to ground excavation stabilizing liquid which are able to prevent effectively the deterioration of the stabilizing liquid due to seawater or cement mixing in or to prevent the putrefaction of the liquid by bacteria, an excavation stabilizing liquid composition, and a ground excavation method using these compositions are disclosed.The composition suited for addition to excavation stabilizing liquid comprises a mono-valency salt (a) of unsaturated carboxylic acid (co)polymer of polymerization degree 5,000 or less and a compound (b) selected from a group composed of 1 mono-valency aluminate, 2 the group II or III metal oxide, and 3 salt of a higher order compound.

Abstract: A process of profile modifying permeable soils with an environmentally safe composition of a non-toxic water-soluble polymer, a redox couple of a water-soluble ferrous salt and a non-toxic, oxidizing agent which are mixed in water and pumped into a subterranean formation wherein ferrous ion is oxidized to ferric ion to gel the polymer making the subterranean formation impermeable.

Abstract: A novel composition and process are disclosed for forming crosslinked gels at elevated temperatures utilize a novel crosslinking agent comprising a furan derivative and a water dispersible aldehyde or aldehyde generating compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the strengthening of geological formations in underground workings and mines by the introduction of reaction mixtures which react to form polyurethanes into the formations which are to be strengthened, the reaction mixtures being based on(a) a polyisocyanate component,(b) a polyol component and(c) an ester,the ester having a hydroxyl number of about 10 to 630 and an acid number of at most 10 and obtained from (i) an acid component having a carboxyl functionality of at least 1.5 and containing a polymerized fatty acid having at least 12 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof with unpolymerized saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having at least 12 carbon atoms and (ii) a polyol component containing at least one polyhydric alcohol, the ester being present in a positive amount of up to 5% by weight, based on the weight of component (b).

Abstract: Methods for suppressing dust from the surface of dust-producing bulk materials such as coal are disclosed including preparing an aqueous suspension of cellulosic fibers dispersed in water and applying the aqueous suspension to the surface of the dust-producing bulk materials in order to suppress dust formation from that surface. The method can comprise use of the cellulosic fiber suspensions as a residual dust suppressant, as a dust suppressant coating for stockpiles of these bulk materials, or as an additive with other encrusting formulations such as latex.

Abstract: Air is mechanically entrained in an aqueous solution of surfactant, polyamine reactant, and low moisture sensitive poly(oxyalkylene) poly(aliphatic isocyanate) prepolymer the poly(oxyalkylene) portion of which contains sufficient oxyethylene units to render the prepolymer water-soluble and hydrophilic, to form a fluid, water-based, air foam which is sprayed or otherwise applied to exposed surface of a substrate, such as a body of hazardous material, the applied foam gelling or increasing in viscosity, due to reaction of the polyisocyanate prepolymer with the polyamine in the presence of the water to form a poly(oxyalkylene) polyurea polymer containing polyurylene-containing segments formed from the reaction, and forming a persistent gelled air foam or viscous air foam in the form of a coating on the exposed surface, thus sealing or otherwise protecting or controlling the substrate.

Abstract: Water-soluble copolymers which are essentially free of cross-linking are useful as shale stabilizers. These copolymers are random copolymers of a vinyl carboxamide monomer and a hydroxy-containing vinyl carboxylic ester. These shale stabilizers are added to a drilling fluid which is then circulated through a well bore whereby the shale stabilizers come in contact with the shale formation and inhibit hydration of shale to prevent sloughing thereof.