| abstract |
The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition. |