| abstract |
A fluid composition that is a solution of an associative polymeric thickener in a solvent system comprising water miscible polar organic solvent can be thickened by diluting the composition with water. It can also be thickened by volatilising the solvent. A prepasted wallcovering can be formed by spreading a coating of the fluid composition, at a low viscosity, on the back of the wallcovering and then volatilising the solvent to form a coating that, when rewetted by water, provides a high viscosity and adhesive coating. Downhole aqueous fluids, such as fracturing fluids, can be viscosified by pumping the fluid composition downhole where it mixes with additional water and thus thickens it. |