Method of generating aqueous silica network particles and compositions including the silica network particles

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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An aqueous silica composition comprising: 
 water; and    silica network particles comprising main particles and bridging particles forming chains between adjacent main particles.    
     
     
         2 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the main particles have a particle size greater than a first particle size and the bridging particles having a particle size less than the first particle size.  
 
     
     
         3 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the silica network particles have a particle size greater than or equal to 1000 nanometers.  
 
     
     
         4 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the silica network particles have a particle size greater than or equal to 3000 nanometers.  
 
     
     
         5 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the main particles and the bridging particles having a substantially spheroid shape.  
 
     
     
         6 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water.  
 
     
     
         7 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the silica network particles are heterodisperse as determined by zeta potential measurements.  
 
     
     
         8 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the silica network particles have a three dimensional structure.  
 
     
     
         9 . The aqueous silica composition of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the composition has a carbonate concentration of about 4 to about 8 millimoles per liter.  
 
     
     
         10 . A body care formulation for application to a body part for hydrating the body part, the formulation comprising: 
 at least one body care ingredient; and    an aqueous composition including silica network particles comprising main particles and bridging particles forming chains between adjacent main particles.    
     
     
         11 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the body part is an epidermal structure of the body and the body care ingredient hydrates the epidermal structure.  
 
     
     
         12 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the silica network particles are present in a concentration of from about 1 part per million to about 50 parts per million.  
 
     
     
         13 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the body care ingredient is selected from the group consisting of shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, styling mist, body lotion, skin cream, face cream, bath additive, pedicure composition, manicure composition, hand lotion, lip balm, mouthwash, toothpaste, lipstick, suntan lotion, sunscreen lotion, skin cleansing composition, and mixtures thereof.  
 
     
     
         14 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the main particles have a particle size greater than a first particle size and the bridging particles having a particle size less than the first particle size.  
 
     
     
         15 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the silica network particles have a particle size greater than or equal to 1000 nanometers.  
 
     
     
         16 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the main particles and the bridging particles having a substantially spheroid shape.  
 
     
     
         17 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the silica network particles are heterodisperse as determined by zeta potential measurements.  
 
     
     
         18 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the silica network particles have a three dimensional structure.  
 
     
     
         19 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the aqueous composition has a carbonate concentration of about 4 to about 8 millimoles per liter.  
 
     
     
         20 . The body care formulation of  claim 10  wherein: 
 the body part is skin of the body and the body care ingredient hydrates the skin below the outer layer.