Cement compositions comprising flexible, compressible beads, processes for
preparing such cement compositions, and methods of cementing in
subterranean formations using such cement compositions. One or more
flexible, compressible beads are mixed with the cement before pumping the
cement into a well bore. The flexible, compressible beads are preferably
composed of an elastomeric material such as a copolymer of
methylmethacrylate and acrylonitrile; a terpolymer of methylmethacrylate,
acrylonitrile, and dichloroethane; a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer;
and polystyrene. The flexible, compressible beads may be heated to expand
the beads before mixing with the cement such that the ensuing cement
composition will have a desired density. Non-flexible beads such as
spherulites may also be added to the cement compositions.