Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping a fluid downhole at high pressure high to create a fracture in the formation rock. Chemistries involved in hydraulic fracturing generally includes specially engineered fluids that are comprised of a carrier fluid (usually water or brine) and, among others, a specialty polymer which helps reduce flow turbulence and the amount of horsepower needed to complete the pumping job. When treatment is complete and the fracture closes, the etched surface provides a high conductivity path from the reservoir to the wellbore.
