JUNCTION STRUCTURED MATERIALS AS PROPPANT ANTI-SETTLING AGENTS

A method for using junction-structured materials that may be introduced into a hydraulic fracture of a subterranean formation for suspending proppants therein and inhibiting or preventing the proppant from settling by gravity within the fractures, the method involving hydraulically fracturing the subterranean formation to form fractures in the formation; during and/or after hydraulically fracturing the subterranean formation, introducing a plurality of junction-structured materials into the fractures, wherein the materials comprise one or more primary stems from which a plurality of primary barbs extend; and collecting or settling the proppants upon the materials as the materials contact opposing walls of the fractures thereby inhibiting or preventing the proppant from settling by gravity. The materials may also be introduced into the formation as part of a fluid composition.