Abstract: An amorphous silica suitable for use in a dental composition has a weight mean particle size in the range 3 to 15 ?m with at least 90 per cent by weight of particles having a size below 20 ?m, a Radioactive Dentine Abrasion (RDA) determined on an aqueous slurry of the silica powder of 100 to 220, a Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR), when incorporated in a dental composition at 10 per cent by weight, greater than 85, the ratio of PCR to RDA being in the range 0.4:1 to less than 1:1 and having a Plastics Abrasion Value (PAV) in the range 11 to 19. A silica having the above properties is prepared by a precipitation route. The silica made available by the invention is also useful as an anti-blocking agent in plastics.

Abstract: A granular composition for use in a personal care product comprises at least one water-insoluble inorganic material having a particle size of no more than 50 &mgr;m and up to 10 percent by weight based on weight of water-insoluble inorganic material of a non-binding swelling agent, the granules having a particle size greater than about 50 &mgr;m and up to about 1000 &mgr;m, as measured by sieve analysis, a dry strength such that from about 20 to about 70 percent by weight pass through a 212 &mgr;m sieve when subjected to the attrition test defined herein and a wet strength such that less than 12 percent by weight residue remains on a 45 &mgr;m sieve after ultrasonification in water for 1 minute with 48 &mgr;m amplitude of vibration, and wherein said granules possess sufficient strength so as not to substantially break down when present in said personal care product.

Abstract: Silica particles for incorporation into a dentifrice composition, preferably as a thickening agent, have a polyether glycol such as polyethylene glycol applied thereto in order to enhance dentifrice cohesion

Abstract: An amorphous silica having an RDA value of between 40 and 70, an oil absorption capacity of between 90 and 145 cc/100 g and a moisture loss of less than 7% w/w, can be incorporated at a 10% to 25% loading into a transparent toothpaste having a refractive index of below 1.445, this toothpaste having an RDA value of less than 60.

Abstract: A thickening system containing an amorphous silica and xanthan gum in a silica/xanthan gum weight ratio from 160:1 to 2:1, preferably 100:1 to 5:1, most preferably 30:1 to 6.5:1 can be used to stabilise and thicken cosmetic compositions containing alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids.

Abstract: An amorphous silica has a pore size distribution wherein 90% of the pores have a diameter above 15 nanometers, and less than 20% of the pore volume is in pores having a pore diameter between 10 and 20 nanometers, the amorphous silica having a CTAB surface area of less than 100 m.sup.2 /g, the amorphous silica having a matting efficiency of below 20 gloss units at an incidence angle of 60.degree. and a loading of 5% by weight. It can be prepared by a precipitation route. It is used in thixotropic paints and lacquers.

Abstract: Amorphous silicas suitable for use as abrasives in transparent toothpastes can be prepared by a precipitation route. These silicas are distinguished by having a BET surface area of 10 to 90 M.sup.2 /g, a weight mean particle size of 5 to 15 micron, and a plastics abrasion value of 16 to 20, a transmission of at least 70% in the RI range from 1,430 to 1,443 and an oil absorbtion in the range from about 70 to about 150 cm.sup.3 /100 g.

Abstract: Amorphous silicas suitable for use as abrasives in transparent toothpastes can be prepared by a precipitation route. These silicas are distinguished by having a BET surface area of 100 to 450 m.sup.2 /g, a weight mean particle size of 5 to 15 microns, a plastics abrasion value of 16 to 26, a mean pore diameter from 2 to 12 nm, a transmission of at least 70% in the refractive index range from 1.430 to 1.443 and an oil absorption in the range from about 70 to about 130 cm.sup.3 /g.

Abstract: A silica matting agent has a wax coating comprising a mixture of three waxes, i.e. hard microcrystalline, plasticising monocrystalline and synthetic polyethylene. The use of this ternary mixture gives the matting agent improved interaction with lacquers and improved sedimentation.

Abstract: A precipitated silica, suitable for use in toothpastes, has a high absorbency, i.e. 110 to 180 cm.sup.3 100 g, and good abrasivity with a plastics abrasion value of 12 to 20. The silica provides abrasion even at a relatively low particle size.

Abstract: Amorphous silicas suitable for use as abrasives in transparent toothpastes can be prepared by a precipitation route. These silicas are distinguished by having a BET surface area of 420 to 550 m.sup.2 /g, a weight mean particle size of 5 to 20 micron, a perspex abrasion value of 15 to 28, a mean pore diameter from 3 to 8 nm and a transmission of at least 70% in the R1 range from 1.444 to 1.460.

Abstract: Amorphous silicas suitable for use as abrasives in transparent toothpastes can be prepared by a precipitation route. These silicas are distinguished by having a BET surface area of 420 to 550 m.sup.2 /g, a weight mean particle size of 5 to 20 micron, a perspex abrasion value of 15 to 28, a mean pore diameter from 3 to 8 nm and a transmission of at least 70% in the R1 range from 1.444 to 1.460.

Abstract: An amorphous silica, especially precipitated silica, suitable for use in toothpastes, has a high abrasivity represented by a perspex abrasion value in the range from about 23 to about 35.