Abstract: A process for the production of an aqueous sol containing silica-based particles which comprises (a) acidifying an aqueous silicate solution to a pH of from 1 to 4 to form an acid sol; (b) alkalizing the acid sol at an SiO2 content within the range of from 4.5 to 8% by weight; (c) allowing particle growth of the alkalized sol for at least 10 minutes; or heat-treating the alkalized sol at a temperature of a least 30° C.; (d) alkalizing the obtained sol to a pH of at least 10.0; and (e) optionally concentrating the sol obtained according to (b), (c) or (d) to provide an aqueous sol containing silica-based particles and having a specific surface area of at least 90 m2/g aqueous sol; as well as an aqueous sol containing silica-based particles obtainable by the process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of protecting a surface of a carbonatic material from corrosion, the method comprising treatment of the material surface with an acidic cationic silica sol, the pH of the sol preferably being from about 4 to about 7. The invention also concerns a new silica sol useful for performing the method and a method of preparing the new silica sol. Further, the invention concerns carbonatic material comprising a surface layer of silica, the surface of the silica particles comprising a polyvalent metal oxide/hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of protecting a porous material sensitive to corrosion caused by pollutants in the atmosphere. The method comprises treating the surface of the material with an agent containing more than 90% by weight of silica sol. The agent contains substantially no solid particles with a diameter exceeding about 1 micron. Porous building materials comprising a layer of gelled silica sol present in the pores below the material surface are prepared by the method.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of colloidal particles which particles are both silica based anionic particles and swollen particles of clays of smectite type which are expandable in water and a process for the preparation thereof. The suspensions are useful as flocculating agents and particularly in combination with polymers in the production of paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an acid-resistant coating and calcium carbonate particles, in which process a slurry of calcium carbonate particles is mixed simultaneously with the solution of a zinc compound and a solution of a silica-containing substance at a temperature of 70.degree.-95.degree. C., the pH being maintained at 8-11.The invention also relates to calcium carbonate particles having an acid-resistant coating in accordance with the above-mentioned process.In addition, the invention relates to the use of calcium carbonate particles having a acid-resistant coating in accordance with the above-mentioned process, as an acid-resistant filler in the production of paper at pH 4.0-7.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an acid-resistant coating and calcium carbonate particles, in which process a slurry of calcium carbonate particles is mixed simultaneously with the solution of a zinc compound and a solution of a silica-containing substance at a temperature of 70.degree.-95.degree. C., the pH being maintained at 8-11.The invention also relates to calcium carbonate particles having an acid-resistant coating in accordance with the above-mentioned process.In addition, the invention relates to the use of calcium carbonate particles having a acid-resistant coating in accordance with the above-mentioned process, as an acid-resistant filler in the production of paper at pH 4.0-7.0.