Methods for cementing in a subterranean formation using a cement composition containing a set retarder of a polyester

A cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprising:

• cement, wherein the cement is a calcium aluminate cement;
• water;
• and
• a polymer, wherein the polymer:
• (i) comprises at least one monomer capable of forming a polyester, wherein the at least one monomer is selected from a group consisting of malic acid and naphthalene dicarboxylic acid;
• (ii) is capable of providing a thickening time of at least 2 hours at a temperature of 400° F. (204.4° C.) and a pressure of greater than about 500 psi (3.4 MPa) for a test composition consisting essentially of:
• the cement;
• the water;
• and the polymer, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition;
• (iii) increases the setting time of the cement composition due to degradation of the polymer;
• (iv) is a thermoplastic polyester;
• and
• (v) does not create voids in the cement composition after the cement composition has set;
• and
• a degradation catalyst comprising an acid or base different from the products formed from the degradation of the polymer.