Multicomponent degradable materials and use

Abstract

In general, the current disclosure relates to multicomponent fibers that have accelerated degradation in water in low temperature conditions, and their various industrial, medical and consumer product uses. Such materials are especially useful for uses in subterranean wells in oil and gas production. In some embodiments, the compositions of materials have accelerated degradation even at Ultra Low Temperature (“ULT”) (≦60° C.) in subterranean formations.

1 . A degradable multicomponent fiber, comprising:
 a) a degradable polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polycarprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polylactic-co-polyglcolic acid, or a mixture thereof;   b) a water soluble polymer or a hydrocarbon soluble polymer; and   c) a reactive filler mixed with component a, that shortens the degradation time of said component when mixed therewith;   d) wherein component a is different than component b; and   e) said multicomponent fiber having a diameter of less than 100 micrometers, having a configuration selected from the group consisting of sheath-core, islands-in-the-sea, ribbon, segmented pie, side-by-side, and combinations thereof, and said fiber being degradable in 30 days or less at 60° C.   
     
     
         2 . The fiber of  claim 1 , said reactive filler being selected from the group consisting of Ca(OH) 2 , Mg(OH) 2 , CaCO 3 , Borax, MgO, CaO, ZnO, NiO, CuO, and Al 2 O 3 . 
     
     
         3 . A degradable multicomponent fiber, comprising:
 a) a degradable polyester;   b) a water soluble polymer or a hydrocarbon soluble polymer;   c) a reactive filler that shortens the degradation time of component a, said reactive filler being selected from the group consisting of Ca(OH) 2 , Mg(OH) 2 , CaCO 3 , Borax, MgO, CaO, ZnO, NiO, CuO, 4-Dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), and Al 2 O 3 ;   d) wherein component a differs from component b, and wherein components a and b are adjacent each other in said fiber, and wherein said fiber degrades in ≦30 days at 60° C. in water.   
     
     
         4 . The fiber of  claim 3 , said degradable polyester selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polycarprolactone, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic-co-polyglcolic acid (PLGA), and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The fiber of  claim 3 , said hydrocarbon soluble polymer comprising ethylene vinyl acetate, olefin, propylene, ethylene, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The fiber of  claim 3 , said water soluble polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol, modified polyvinyl alcohol, or their mixtures. 
     
     
         7 . A multicomponent fiber comprising a first degradable polymer adjacent a second hydrocarbon soluble polymer, wherein said fiber degrades in water and petroleum. 
     
     
         8 . The fiber of  claim 7 , said degradable polymer comprising a polyester, polylactic acid (PLA), polycarprolactone, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic-co-polyglcolic acid (PLGA), or a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The fiber of  claim 7 , said degradable hydrocarbon soluble polymer comprising ethylene vinyl acetate, olefin, propylene, ethylene, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The fiber of  claim 7 , said further comprising a reactive filler mixed with said polyester to accelerate its degradation rate, and said reactive filler is Ca(OH) 2 , Mg(OH) 2 , CaCO 3 , Borax, MgO, CaO, ZnO, NiO, CuO, Al 2 O 3 , DMAP, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The fiber of  claim 7 , said further comprising a ZnO mixed with a PLA. 
     
     
         12 . A multicomponent fiber comprising an amorphous PLA adjacent a crystalline PLA and ZnO intimately admixed with either or both, said fiber having a diameter of less than 100 μm and being degradable in water at 60° C. in 30 days or less. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of producing hydrocarbon from a subterranean reservoir, comprising:
 a) injected a fluid comprising water and a fiber of  claim 1  into a subterranean reservoir comprising a hydrocarbon; and   b) producing said hydrocarbon.