Drilling mud compositions containing high molecular weight poly(vinylamines).

摘要

The inverse emulsion polymerization of a monomer of the formula wherein R and R<1> represent hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group, using a surfactant system having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value from 4 to 9, an azo-type free radical initiator and certain hydrocarbon liquids to yield a water-in-oil emulsion of a homopolymer of at least 10<6> average molecular weight, the emulsion having a viscosity less than 10 cps, at 15% solids, 60 rpm Brookfield and 20 DEG C. Also disclosed is the preparation of poly(vinylamines) of at least 10<6> average molecular weight by acid or base hydrolysis of the homopolymer emulsion. Also disclosed are drilling mud compositions containing the poly(vinylamines) and demonstrating superior properties.