Hydrophobically associating terpolymers containing sulfonate functionality
Abstract
Abstract This invention describes novel hydrophobically associating terpolymers containing sulfonate functionality which are useful as aqueous fluid rheology or flow modifiers. These high molecular weight water soluble polymers contain both water soluble and water insoluble monomers. The water soluble monomers are acrylamide (AM) and a salt of an ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid (S) and the water insoluble monomer is a higher alkyl acrylamide (R). These polymers are referred to as SRAM. The process for their preparation relies on solubilizing the water insoluble monomer into an aqueous micellar solution containing one or more surfactants and the water soluble monomers. The surfactants are specifically selected to enable homogenous dispersion of the hydrophobic monomer(s) in the presence of anionic sulfonate containing monomers. Redox or free radical initiators are used to copolymerize both the water soluble and water insoluble monomers, forming terpolymers of ethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acids, alkylacrylamides and acrylamide. Aqueous solutions of these hydrophically associating polymers exhibit enhanced viscosification, reduced salt sensitivity and other desirable rheological properties found useful in a variety of applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul L. Valint
- 👤 Jan Bock
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-02-17 | 1995-08-19 | 1996-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-02-17 | 1999-08-19 | 2000-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-02-17 | 2003-08-19 | 2004-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |