Discover how Halliburton is shaping the future of oil well cementing with cutting-edge innovation
For Halliburton employees such as Dr. TJ Pisklak, every day is a new opportunity to improve the way oil well cementing is done to maximize customer asset value. As TJ walks into Halliburton’s R&D lab each day, his mind is full of ideas, from blending new materials to evaluating their long-term impact on the environment. It’s this drive—paired with his innovative spirit—that has made him a cornerstone of Halliburton’s Cementing Technology Applied Science & Processes (CASP) group, where his work has enhanced the company's technological leadership and contributed to lowering carbon emissions across the industry.
Dr. Pisklak, an R&D chemistry advisor, has spent 13 years developing innovative technologies for Halliburton’s Cementing product service line. His contributions have helped the company maintain its leadership in oil well cementing, but for him, it’s about more than just staying ahead of the competition—it’s about finding solutions that balance business needs with environmental stewardship.
One of Dr. Pisklak's most significant breakthroughs is his proprietary method for evaluating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), which replace traditional, high-carbon footprint materials like Portland cement. TJ leads the team that developed the NeoCem™, NeoCem™ E+, and EnviraCem™ systems—high-performance solutions that use less Portland cement and are tailored to enhance well integrity. These products are now helping Halliburton’s customers lower their carbon emission baselines, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable energy.
Innovation and collaboration are key concepts in the search for both incremental and game-changing technologies. I enjoy the challenge of developing innovative technical solutions that deliver value to our customers and set us apart from competitors.
His inventive mind doesn’t stop at technology either. Dr. Pisklak is equally passionate about mentoring the next generation of Halliburton technologists. As a Halliburton subject matter expert in inorganic materials, particularly cementitious substances, he regularly advises field operations and lends his deep expertise wherever complex scientific understanding is needed. More importantly, he mentors junior researchers, to foster a culture of curiosity and innovation that promises to keep Halliburton at the forefront of technological advancements for years to come.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Pisklak’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including Halliburton’s prestigious 100 Patents Milestone Award. In 2024 alone, the CASP group, of which he is a vital part, was granted 18 new patents—each one a testament to the collaborative culture of innovation that defines Halliburton.
“Even after 100 years of oil well cementing, we continue to develop new, innovative materials and additives,” says Amlan Datta, Technology Manager for Cementing Applied Science. “This speaks to our dedication to innovation through collaboration among our scientists, technical professionals, and technologists globally.”
As Halliburton continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s clear that Dr. Pisklak’s legacy of invention and mentorship will play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry. His work showcases the value of scientific creativity and reinforces Halliburton's ongoing focus on environmental sustainability, proving that technological advancement and responsibility can—and must—go hand in hand.
Meet the unique pressure, temperature, and property demands of each well.
