**6.4. Problem 4: keeping the propped fractures open for flow**

The polymers and organic material described in Sections 6.1 and 6.3 keep proppants in solution, adjust the water's density, and decrease friction, making fracking possible. These same chemicals can then restrict the flow of natural gas out of the formation by clogging the newly created fractures and lowering the conductivity of the fractured rock. Therefore, an additional additive breaks these chemicals up into smaller molecules that will not clog the fractures. These "breakers" are usually enzymes that cut the organic chemicals into smaller pieces.
