One or more embodiments presently described are directed to lubricants and methods for making such lubricants. According to one embodiment, a lubricant suitable for use in a water-based drilling fluid may comprise one or more alkyl esters and a fatty acid blend comprising one or more medium-chain fatty acids. The one or more medium-chain fatty acids may be at least 50 weight percent (wt. %) of the fatty acid blend. The weight ratio of the one or more alkyl esters to the fatty acid blend may be from 1:1 to 3:1.

One or more embodiments presently described are directed to lubricants and methods for making such lubricants. According to one embodiment, a lubricant suitable for use in a water-based drilling fluid may comprise one or more alkyl esters and a fatty acid blend comprising one or more medium-chain fatty acids. The one or more medium-chain fatty acids may be at least 50 weight percent (wt. %) of the fatty acid blend. The weight ratio of the one or more alkyl esters to the fatty acid blend may be from 1:1 to 3:1.

The present invention addresses the problem of improving friction characteristics, when wet, of fibers to which a treatment agent for short fibers is adhered, and improving the heat resistance of the treatment agent for short fibers. This treatment agent for short fibers does not substantially include a phosphate compound, but does contain the fatty acid (A) below and a non-ionic surfactant. The fatty acid (A) is at least one fatty acid selected from C1-6 fatty acids, C1-6 hydroxy fatty acids, and salts of the aforementioned fatty acids.

The present invention addresses the problem of improving friction characteristics, when wet, of fibers to which a treatment agent for short fibers is adhered, and improving the heat resistance of the treatment agent for short fibers. This treatment agent for short fibers does not substantially include a phosphate compound, but does contain the fatty acid (A) below and a non-ionic surfactant. The fatty acid (A) is at least one fatty acid selected from C1-6 fatty acids, C1-6 hydroxy fatty acids, and salts of the aforementioned fatty acids.