Water soluble polymer-based thermal properties

However, the mechanism of action of filtration control additives is not yet completely understood. Examples are bentonite, latex, various organic polymers, and copolymers. Many additives for fluid loss are water-soluble polymers. Vinyl sulfonate fluid loss additives based on the 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) monomer are in common use in field cementing operations [363]. The copolymerization of AMPS with conjugate monomers yields a fluid loss agent whose properties include minimal retardation, salt tolerance, high efficiency, thermal stability, and excellent solids support. 

Other biopolymers useful for synthesis of nanocomposites include (i) gelatin—a water-soluble protein obtained by extracting collagen liom animal skin and bones and thermal denaturation. (ii) PHB—a natural product of biosynthesis performed by bacteria in nature, (iii) Chitosan—a natural polymer widely found in exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, as well as in the cell walls of microorganisms (Maiti et al. 2003 Zheng et al. 2002 Takegawa et al. 2010). Moreover, the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of chitosan-based nanocomposites with cellulose nanofibers could be enhanced. 

The most relevant achievements in this sector are related to thermoplastic starch polymers resulting from the processing of native starch by chemical, thermal and mechanical means, and to its complexation to other co-polymers. The resulting materials show properties ranging from the flexibility of polyethylene to the rigidity of polystyrene, and can be soluble or insoluble in water as well as insensitive to humidity. Such properties explain the leading position of starch-based materials in the biodegradable polymer field. 

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