Disclosed are time controlled, hydrolytically degradable compositions that include a polyurethane; precipitated silica, carbon black, or a combination thereof; an organic acid adapted to facilitate degradation when the composition is contacted with water; a stabilizer; a first crosslinking agent; and an optional co-agent. The composition is adapted to degrade over a predetermined time period upon contact with water at a pH ranging from 5 to 8 and at a temperature ranging from 100 F. to 250 F.

Cement slurries, cured cements, and methods of making cured cement and methods of using cement slurries are provided. The cement slurry contains water, a cement precursor material, an alcohol surfactant having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and a carboxylic acid comprising an aliphatic chain having from 16 to 18 carbons. In some embodiments, the alcohol surfactant may comprise the formula R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH where R is a hydrocarbyl group having from 10 to 20 carbons and x is an integer from 1 to 10. The cured cement contains water, cement, an alcohol surfactant having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and a carboxylic acid comprising an aliphatic chain having from 16 to 18 carbons. In some embodiments, the alcohol surfactant may comprise the formula R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH where R is a hydrocarbyl group having from 10 to 20 carbons and x is an integer from 1 to 10.

Cement slurries, cured cements, and methods of making cured cement and methods of using cement slurries are provided. The cement slurries have, among other attributes, improved rheology, such as improved flowability and pumpability and may be used, for instance, in the oil and gas drilling industry. The cement slurry contains water, a cement precursor material and a surfactant having the formula R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH where R is a hydrocarbyl group comprising from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 and 10. The cured cement have improved strength and density properties due to reduced fluid loss and even placement during curing. The cured cement contains a surfactant having the formula R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH where R is a hydrocarbyl group comprising from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 and 10.

The present invention pertains to the discovery that short chain aliphatic fatty acids, such as potassium sorbate, can be used in liquid-additive grinding compositions in the amount of at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 30%, to mill carbonate materials into smaller particle size. The carbonate material can optionally be combined with another inorganic material in the grinding operation, such as limestone, lime, dolomites, talc, titanium dioxide, alumina, and kaolin, ceramics, and cement clinker. The use of the particularly described grinding additive composition are food-grade or food-contact approved, and are believed by the present inventors to resist the humectant behavior of the resultant ground particles which could in herently otherwise decrease efficiency of the particulate grinding process.

The present invention pertains to the discovery that short chain aliphatic fatty acids, such as potassium sorbate, can be used in liquid-additive grinding compositions in the amount of at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 30%, to mill carbonate materials into smaller particle size. The carbonate material can optionally be combined with another inorganic material in the grinding operation, such as limestone, lime, dolomites, talc, titanium dioxide, alumina, and kaolin, ceramics, and cement clinker. The use of the particularly described grinding additive composition are food-grade or food-contact approved, and are believed by the present inventors to resist the humectant behavior of the resultant ground particles which could in herently otherwise decrease efficiency of the particulate grinding process.

Anti-bit balling drilling fluids and methods of making and using drilling fluids are provided. The anti-bit balling drilling fluid contains water, a clay-based component, and at least one of a surfactant having the formula: R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH, where R is a hydrocarbyl group having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 and 10, or a polyethylene glycol having the formula: H(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH, where n is an integer from 1 to 50. Methods of making and using these drilling fluids are also provided.

Described herein is a method for preparing decorative concrete top ping which overcomes the limitations associated with epoxy Terrazzo floors. Specifically, the decorative concrete topping mixture described herein has a low crack potential, high strength and durability, much longer working time, thereby allowing for the material to be mixed in larger quantities and simplifying application. A binder composition made of Portland cement and pozzolanic materials is mixed with an decorative aggregate and other additives before pumping the concrete topping mixture onto a subfloor and allowing the concrete topping mixture to cure.

Described herein is a method for preparing decorative concrete top ping which overcomes the limitations associated with epoxy Terrazzo floors. Specifically, the decorative concrete topping mixture described herein has a low crack potential, high strength and durability, much longer working time, thereby allowing for the material to be mixed in larger quantities and simplifying application. A binder composition made of Portland cement and pozzolanic materials is mixed with an decorative aggregate and other additives before pumping the concrete topping mixture onto a subfloor and allowing the concrete topping mixture to cure.

Cement slurries, cured cements, and methods of making cured cement and methods of using cement slurries are provided. The cement slurries have, among other attributes, improved rheology, such as improved flowability and pumpability and may be used, for instance, in the oil and gas drilling industry. The cement slurry contains water, a cement precursor material and a surfactant having the formula R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH where R is a hydrocarbyl group comprising from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 and 10. The cured cement have improved strength and density properties due to reduced fluid loss and even placement during curing. The cured cement contains a surfactant having the formula R(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.xOH where R is a hydrocarbyl group comprising from 10 to 20 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 1 and 10.

A glass mat includes an assembly of glass fibers, a binder composition and an asphaltic coating. The binder composition includes an organic resin and an adhesion promoter. The glass mat has an at least 2% increase in tear strength as measured using the methods specified in ASTM D3462, compared to an asphaltic coated glass mat having a binder composition without the adhesion promoter. Further provided is an asphalt roofing product including the glass mat and a method of increasing tear strength in an asphalt roofing product.