Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation includes introducing into the formation a fracturing composition comprising a carrier and a polymeric particulate derived from a cashew nut shell liquid, the polymeric particulate having an apparent specific gravity of less than about 2.4. The fracturing composition is introduced at a pressure sufficient to create or enlarge a fracture in the formation.

Abstract: A phenol-formaldehyde novolac resin having a low concentration of free phenol prepared by distilling residual phenol from a molten novolac resin and replacing at least a portion of the phenol with a solvent having a volatility equal to or less than phenol. Such modified novolac resins are suitable for the production of resin coated molding sands for shell molding and sand cores, as well as for the production of resin coated proppants for use in oil and gas recovery operations.

Abstract: A phenol-formaldehyde novolac resin having a low concentration of free phenol prepared by distilling residual phenol from a molten novolac resin and replacing at least a portion of the phenol with a solvent having a volatility equal to or less than phenol. Such modified novolac resins are suitable for the production of resin coated molding sands for shell molding and sand cores, as well as for the production of resin coated proppants for use in oil and gas recovery operations.

Abstract: Phenolic resin binder systems for sand molds, used in metal casting, which improve the quality of thermally reclaimed sand, are described. The substantial or complete elimination of calcium compounds (e.g., calcium stearate and calcium hydroxide, conventionally employed as a mold lubricant and a resin curing catalyst, respectively) allows the thermally reclaimed sand to be reused over multiple thermal reclamation cycles without the adverse effects previously encountered.

Abstract: A resin composition for a shell mold which reduces smoke generation upon molding of a casting mold and maintains a crumbility and a casting mold strength of a phenolic resin, and resin coated sand by the use thereof are provided. The resin composition for the shell mold includes the phenolic resin and an aromatic condensed phosphate ester. The phenolic resin is used as a binder of the resin coated sand used for producing a main mold and a core for shell mold casting of cast iron, cast steel, aluminum, and the like. The aromatic condensed phosphate ester is very effective as a crumbling agent for improving the crumbility of the casting mold after casting.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a foundry binder system that cures in the presence of a volatile amine curing catalyst. The binder system comprises a Part I component comprising (1) a phenolic resin component, and (2) a free radical initiator, and a Part II component comprising (1) a polyisocyanate, and (2) a multifunctional acrylate. The foundry binders are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes that are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry mixes and their use in preparing foundry shapes (molds and cores) and in casting metals. The foundry mixes comprise a foundry aggregate and an organic foundry binder that contains an organic polyisocyanate and an aliphatic mercaptan. The binder systems react to form thiocarbamate polymers when mixed with sand. Preferably, a tertiary amine curing catalyst is used to promote the reaction of the organic polyisocyanate and aliphatic mercaptan.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for improving the tensile strength of foundry cores and molds over what may be conventionally achieved. The use of acidic methylene compounds in binder compositions which include strongly alkaline phenolic resoles results in an ester curable binder that may be used to make foundry cores and molds having significantly greater tensile strengths than are achieved with prior art binders. An embodiment of the present invention provides a composition which includes a phenolic resole having a pH ranging from about 10.5 to about 13.5 and an acidic methylene compound.

Abstract: A binder solution of a phenolic novolak resin in solvent, preferably furfuryl alcohol containing at least one chemical agent such as amines containing one to five, preferably two to four, nitrogen atoms, glycerine or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the binder solution contains about 0.2 to about 1.5 weight percent water. The binder solution is for binding refractory objects, preferably those containing doloma (calcined dolomite) aggregate. Methods of mixing these ingredients and using the mixture are also disclosed. Bricks made from the doloma aggregate mixed with the binder solution show good ambient temperature green strength and enhanced modulus of rupture after curing and coking.

Abstract: A binder resin composition, a curing agent composition, a caking additive composition, a kit, a casting mold composition and a process for manufacturing a casting mold are disclosed, wherein a metallic compound containing a metallic element belonging to Group IB to VIII of the Periodic Table is utilized. The compositions are useful for the production of a sand mold for casting, having an excellent strength, from reclaimed sand, in a self-hardening or gas hardening mold process. The casting mold according to the present invention, which is manufactured in the presence of a metallic compound containing a metallic element belonging to Group IB to VIII of the Perioidic Table has excellent strength.

Abstract: A foundry mold is produced from sand by blending, with one another, sand, a binder comprising a ester cured-phenolic resin, a curing agent comprising an organic ester compound and one or more additives containing therein a metal of the groups IB to VIII, and molding and curing the mixture into a foundry mold. The mixture is useful in a self-curing molding method and a vapour curing molding method, and the resulting mold is thereby provided with an unexpected improved mechanical strength. In particular the invention is advantageously effective with used or reclaimed refractory sand.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reclaiming ester-cured phenolic resin bonded sand. The process comprises contacting attrition reclaimed sand with a compound which converts potassium compounds to a form having a melting point of least 550.degree. C., and then thermally treating the sand at a temperature below that which the resulting potassium compound fuses.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry mixes and their uses. The foundry mixes comprise (a) a foundry aggregate, and (b) a foundry binder comprising in admixture; (1) an acetoacetate ester; (2) an .alpha., .beta. ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and (3) a liquid tertiary amine catalyst having a pK value of 12-14. The foundry mixes are used to prepare foundry shapes made from foundry mixes by a no-bake process.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing a curable resin coated proppant and a crosslinked aqueous gel carrier fluid system. The resin coated proppant and crosslinked aqueous gel carrier fluid system provided may be controllable thinned or "broken" by the addition of a quantity of oxidizing breaker similar to the quantity of oxidizing breaker sufficient to break the carrier fluid in traditional non-resin coated proppant and crosslinked aqueous gel carrier fluid system. A resole resin is the film forming material use to coat the proppant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ester cured no-bake foundry binder system preferably comprising as separate components (a) an aqueous basic solution of a phenolic resole resin; (b) a hardener comprising (i) an epoxy resin, and (ii) a liquid ester.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to foundry mixes comprised of (a) an aqueous basic solution of a phenolic resole resin; (b) a major amount of reclaimed sand which has first been treated with an aqueous non halogenated surfactant solution, and (c) a liquid ester co-reactant.The invention also relates to foundry shapes made with the subject foundry mixes which have improved tensile strengths and scratch hardness when compared to foundry shapes which are prepared from foundry binder systems which do not utilize foundry aggregates which have been mixed with an aqueous surfactant solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monolithic refractory with self-flowability. A monolithic refractory of the first invention of the present invention contains refractory aggregates, liquid novolak type phenol resin and an organic separation preventative. A monolithic refractory of the second invention of the present invention contains refractory aggregates and a novolak type phenol resin solution with a number-average molecular weight of not more than 600. The first invention of the present invention gives good hot flowability and prevention of sedimentation of the aggregates to the monolithic refractory. The second invention gives good hot flowability, stabilization in adhesion and prevention of warpage of the hardened body obtained. With the present invention a monolithic refractory can be suitably selected and used according to its intended use and purpose.

Abstract: A binder composition for producing articles of bonded particulate material such as foundry molds or core comprises an alkaline aqueous solution of a resol phenol-aldehyde resin, an oxyanion which can form a stable complex with the resin, and an ethylene glycol monoalkyl ether. The binder composition has an alkali to phenol molar ratio of from 1.5:1 to 2.5:1 and the amount of alkali present in the solution is sufficient to substantially prevent stable complex formation between the resin ad the oxyanion. Bonded articles are produced by passing carbon dioxide gas through articles formed from a mixture of particulate material and the binder composition so as to produce stable complex formation and curing of the resin.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for retarding the ambient temperature hardening of a phenolic resole resin alone or with an aggregate when such resin is contacted with a nitroalkane and a hardening agent such as lightburned magnesium oxide, an organic ester functional hardening agent, and mixtures of lightburned magnesium oxide and an organic ester functional hardening agent in an alkaline medium. There is also disclosed a hardener composition for phenolic resole resins wherein the hardener composition consists essentially of a solution of a nitroalkane in an organic ester functional hardening agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a binder solution having a low solids level which provides improved tensile properties when used with reclaimed sand. This binder solution comprises an alkaline phenolic resin which is cured at ambient temperature with an ester-functional curing agent. Also provided by this invention are raw batch formulations comprising sand, a binder solution having a low solids level, and a curing agent. These raw batch formulations include embodiments wherein the low solids levels are obtained by the separate addition of a solvent. The methods for producing foundry molds and cores of this invention included those procedures wherein dilution water is used to reduce the solids contents of conventional, relatively high solids content binder solutions.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for accelerating the hardening of phenolic resole resins having a pH of about 4.5 to 9.5 with lightburned magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide, with or without the addition of an ester functional hardening agent. Acceleration of hardening is achieved by incorporating into said compositions an effective quantity of a material which: increases the solubility of magnesium in the hardenable mixture; by certain amines; or by certain chelating agents. Accelerator compounds include those which provide chloride, sulfamate, nitrate, formate, and phosphite anions as well as selected tertiary amines.

Abstract: The hardening of a composition containing a phenolic resin solution and a magnesia aggregate is effected by mixing into such composition at a pH of at least 4.5: a compound which provides an acetate, adipate, 4-aminobenzeneslfonate, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate, formate, glycolate, lactate, nitrate, benzenesulfonate, naphthalenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, phenolsulfonate, succinate, sulfamate, or toluenesulfonate anion to the composition; or an acetylacetone, 2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol, salicylaldehyde compound; or a mixture of said compounds.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for accelerating the hardening of phenolic resole resins having a pH of about 4.5 to 9.5 with lightburned magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide, with or without the addition of an ester functional hardening agent. Acceleration of hardening is achieved by incorporating into said compositions an effective quantity of a material which: increases the solubility of magnesium in the hardenable mixture; by certain amines; or by certain chelating agents. Accelerator compounds include those which provide chloride, sulfamate, nitrate, formate, and phosphite anions as well as selected tertiary amines.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods and compositions for retarding the room temperature hardening of phenolic resole resins when such resins are mixed with lightburned magnesium oxide with or without an ester functional hardening agent. Compounds which act as retarders include azelaic acid, salicylamide, sulfanilic acid, glyoxal, salicylic acid, N-methylaniline, and 2,6-diethylaniline.

Abstract: A binder composition for producing articles of bonded particulate material such as foundry moulds or cores comprises an alkaline aqueous solution of a resol phenol-aldehyde resin, an oxyanion which can form a stable complex with the resin, and pyrrolidone or an N-substituted pyrrolidone, and the amount of alkali present in the solution is sufficient to substantially prevent stable complex formation between the resin and the oxyanion. Bonded articles are produced by passing carbon dioxide gas through articles formed from a mixture of particulate material and the binder composition so as to produce stable complex formation and curing of the resin.

Abstract: The hardening of a composition containing a phenolic resin solution and a magnesia aggregate is effected by mixing into such composition at a pH of at least 4.5: a compound which provides an acetate, adipate, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate, formate, glycolate, lactate, nitrate, benzenesulfonate, naphthalenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, phenolsulfonate, succinate, sulfamate, or toluenesulfonate anion to the composition; or a mixture of said compounds.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods and compositions for retarding the room temperature hardening of phenolic resole resins when such resins are mixed with lightburned magnesium oxide with or without an ester functional hardening agent. Compounds which act as retarders include azelaic acid, salicylamide, sulfanilic acid, N-methylaniline, and 2,6-diethylaniline.

Abstract: Retarding the hardening of a composition containing a phenolic resin solution and a magnesia aggregate is effected by mixing into such composition a compound which provides an aspartate, fluoride, bifluoride, malate, tartrate, citrate, oxalate, phosphate or phosphonate anion to the composition or a tetraalkoxy silane, a partially hydrolyzed tetraalkoxy silane, 2-, or 4-chlorophenol, or 2'-, or 4'-hydroxyacetophenone.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for room temperature hardening of phenolic resole resin refractory compositions containing a magnesium oxide hardening agent alone or together with an organic ester. The resin is a low viscosity, low molecular weight resin having a high free phenol content. The magnesium hardening agent has a surface area of at least 20 square meters per gram. The compositions provide adequate working times and room temperature hardening within 24 hours.

Abstract: A process for improving the flowability of resin coated sand which comprises the use of a flow promoter with the mixture of sand and resin. Also provided is a foundry mix comprising foundry sand, a resin binder and the flow promoter, as well as a process for making foundry cores and molds using the foundry mix. The resins are ester-curable alkaline phenolic resole resins. The flow promoter is selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty amines, fatty amides and fatty alkanolamides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phenolic resin compositions and methods for making cured phenolic resin compositions. The phenolic resin compositions of this invention comprise an esterified phenolic compound and a base and optionally an unesterified phenolic resole resin. The composition cures in the presence of water or other polar solvent. The esterified phenolic compound contains at least one phenolic hydroxyl group or an esterified phenolic hydroxyl group and further contains at least one esterified methylol group positioned ortho or para to a phenolic hydroxyl group or an esterified phenolic group.The compounds find particular use in bonding refractory materials, such as sand, in the production of foundry moulds and cores and in treating subterranean formations. These composition have the advantage that cure can be obtained at room temperature without the use of strong alkali. The use of this system also prevents the release of alcohols during the saponification stage of the ester cure process.

Abstract: A raw batch composition for use in making a shaped article such as a foundry shape or refractory article is disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of an aggregate material; a phenol formaldehyde novolak resin; a phenol formaldehyde resole resin; and an ester functional curing agent. A shaped article prepared from the composition and processes for making a refractory body or foundry article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phenolic resin composition comprises an ester-curable phenol-aldehyde resin in alkaline aqueous solution wherein the phenol-aldehyde resin is a methylolated phenolic novolak resin. Preferably, during manufacture of the methylolated phenolic novolak resin, unreacted phenol is removed. The composition may be employed, for reaction with an organic ester hardener, as a binder in the production of foundry moulds and cores having high strength. The further incorporation of an aryloxy alcohol in the novolak resin binder additionally improves the final strength of products obtained by a gas curing technique using ester vapor, such as that of methyl formate.

Abstract: Modified benzylic ether resole resins and process for their preparation. The resins are prepared by treating a phenol with a molar excess of aldehyde in the presence of a divalent metal ion catalyst at a pH below 7 followed by further reaction at a pH above 8 in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. Alkaline solutions of the resins are used as foundry binders in an ester cure process.

Abstract: A sand casting caking agent contains an acid-curable resin and an organosilicon compound of the general formula (I): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R is a substituted or nonsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, Y is an alkoxy group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is an integer of from 1 to 6 and m is either 0 or 1. Casting molds containing the agent of the present invention exhibit superior moisture resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to foundry moulding compositions useful for producing moulds for the manufacture of metal castings wherein the moulds are capable of giving castings with good surface finish without the need for conventional separate blacking applications. A foundry moulding composition of the invention comprises refractory material such as sand, alkali phenol-formaldehyde resole resin solution, carbonifiable material such as styrenated phenol, and an effective amount of an organic ester for hardening the composition. In another embodiment, the invention is a binder composition comprising alkali phenol-formaldehyde resole resin solution and carbonifiable material capable of being hardened by reaction with organic ester. In another embodiment, the invention is a curing additive for a foundry binder comprising carbonifiable material and liquid ester such as gamma-butyrolactone, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of lithium ion-generating alkalizing agents in resole binder compositions useful for bonding aggregate materials to form refractory articles. Use of lithium-ion generating alkalizing agents produce resole resin binder compositions which, when cured by an ester functional curing agent, exhibit tensile and compression strengths superior to strengths obtained from compositions using sodium ion-generating or potassium ion-generating alkalizing agents.

Abstract: The binder serves to produce foundry moulds and comprises a solution (preferably an aqueous solution) of aldehyde reactive phenol substances and gaseous acetals (preferably dimethyl formal) as reaction partners and strong acids, e.g. sulphuric acid and sulphonic acids as a catalyst. The acetal is in this system hydrolysed by the acid, the basic aldehyde being formed, which will react with the aldehyde reactive phenol substance accompanied by cross-linking. The acid serves thereby simultaneously as a cross-linking catalyst. In principle, it is possible to regard as "aldehyde reactive phenol substances" any phenolic compounds which can in the acid range cross-link more or less spontaneously with aldehydes. Preferably, these are resorcinol or resorcinol products, e.g. resorcinol pitch or precondensates formed with a shortfall of aldehyde, e.g. based on resorcinol formaldehyde, phenol resorcinol formaldehyde or resorcinol melamine formaldehyde.To produce foundry moulds, a granular basic moulding material, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat curable foundry mixes and binder compositions particularly suitable for making foundry shapes by a hot box process. The binders used are aqueous basic solutions of phenolic resole resins. Salts are added to the binders or the sand to improve the tensile strength of foundry shapes made with the foundry mixes. Silicone compounds are added to the aggregate to improve the water resistance of foundry shapes made with the foundry mixes containing the binder and salt. The foundry shapes are used to prepare metal castings.

Abstract: Molding material composed of casting sand coated with a thermosetting resin and hydrous magnesium silicate clay mineral which may be impregnated with an acid and/or coated with a thermosetting resin, and a shell mold produced from the molding material. This material and mold minimize generation of smoke and irritating gases at the time of mold making and casting.

Abstract: Certain carboxylic acids are used in polyurethane-forming binder compositions to extend the bench life of such compositions. The binder compositions are particularly useful for preparing sand castings used for making foundry parts.

Abstract: A process for preparing modified phenolic resole resins providing improved binders for refractories and foundry cores and molds. The resins are prepared by treating a phenol with a molar excess of aldehyde in the presence of an alkaline catalyst followed by further reaction at a pH below 7 in the presence of a catalyst which promotes formation of ortho-ortho benzylic ether bridges between the phenolic nuclei.

Abstract: An additive to foundry sand molding and core aggregates used to produce cores and molds which improves the quality of castings by reducing thermal expansion and gas defects. The additive comprises a composition containing from about 15% to about 95% titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2). Preferably, the composition of the additive comprises about 2-38% silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), about 5-40% ferric oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3), about 15-95% titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2), and about 2-45% aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3).

Abstract: An improved particulate material for use in treating subterranean formations as a proppant and/or as a fluid loss agent in hydraulic fracturing and as a screening material in gravel packing comprised of heat curable particles capable of forming a cohesive mass, said particles comprised of a high strength center, a coupling agent chemically bound to the center with a heat curable resin coated over the center.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel desensitized ketone peroxide compositions containing as desensitizing agent 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate. It further relates to the use of these compositions in the manufacture of foundry cores or moulds.

Abstract: A disintegration assistant is added to a molding composition made up of foundry sand and a binder whose major part is a condensation-reactive compound or resin having methylol groups in a molecule. The molding composition is formed into a mold and a core by solidifying the resin so that individual grains of the foundry sand are bound each other. The disintegration assistant is mainly made of calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, barium hydroxide and/or barium carbonate, thereby promoting the heat deterioration of the resin to improve the disintegration characteristics of the mold and the core.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved particulate material for use in treating subterranean formations as a proppant and/or as a fluid loss agent in hydraulic fracturing and as a screening material in gravel packing comprised of heat curable particles capable of forming a cohesive mass, said particles comprised of a high strength center, a coupling agent chemically bound to the center with a heat curable resin coated over the center.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the breakdown of phenolic resin bonded cores by means of adding a basic salt of alkali metals in powder form to phenolic resin coated sand is disclosed. The basic salt is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates and organic acid salts, and mixtures thereof, and is microcapsulated with plastic.

Abstract: A foundry moulding composition comprising(a) a granular refractory material,(b) from 0.25 to 2.5% based on the weight of the refractory material of an aqueous solution of a potassium alkali phenol-formaldehyde resin, said aqueous solution having a solids content of from 50 to 75% and said resin having a weight average molecular weight (M.sub.wr) of from 700 to 2000, a formaldehyde:phenol molar ratio of from 1.2:1 to 2.6:1 and a potassium hydroxide:phenol molar ratio of from 0.5:1 to 1.2:1;(c) from 0.05 to 3% based on the weight of said aqueous solution, of at least one silane, and(d) from 20 to 110% based on the weight of said aqueous solution of at least one ester active to catalyze curing of said resin.

Abstract: Modified benzylic ether resole resins and process for their preparation. The resins are prepared by treating a phenol with a molar excess of aldehyde in the presence of a divalent metal ion catalyst at a pH below 7 followed by further reaction at a pH above 8 in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. Alkaline solutions of the resins are used as foundry binders in an ester cure process.