Abstract: An aqueous composition includes silica particles with a particle size distribution and particle structure that improve water retention and exchange characteristics of the aqueous composition. The aqueous silica composition includes silica network particles and water. The silica network particles comprise main particles and bridging particles that form chains between adjacent main particles. The main particles have a particle size greater than the particle size of the bridging particles. Because of the silica network particles, the aqueous composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water. The silica network particles are generated in water by a method in which an aqueous sodium silicate solution is subjected to vigorous agitation in air, followed by periods of circulation through magnetic fields of alternating direction and further periodic agitation exposed to the air. An aqueous composition of the silica network particles can be beneficially used as a hydrating agent.

Abstract: An aqueous composition including silica particles with a particle size distribution and particle structure that improve the water retention and exchange characteristics of the aqueous composition is provided. The aqueous silica composition includes silica network particles and water. The silica network particles comprise main particles and bridging particles that form chains between adjacent main particles. The main particles have a particle size greater than the particle size of the bridging particles. Because of the presence of the silica network particles, the aqueous composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water. The silica network particles are generated in water by a method in which an aqueous sodium silicate solution is subjected to vigorous agitation in air, followed by periods of circulation through magnetic fields of alternating direction and further periodic agitation exposed to the air. An apparatus for carrying out the method is provided.