The present disclosure relates to
precipitated silica characterized by an average primary particle size of from 80 nm to 140 nm, a BET surface area of less than 40 m2 / g, and an
oil absorption of from 160 cc / 100 g to 250 cc / 100 g. The silica according to the invention is prepared by a process comprising (a) dispersing colloidal seed particles having a primary particle size of 40-100 nm, preferably 50-80 nm, in water, (b) adding an
electrolyte at a concentration of 2.5-4.0 wt%, based on the total
mass of the colloidal seed particles added in step (a), (c) heating the suspension to 65-100 DEG C, preferably 85-95 DEG C, and (d) cooling the suspension to the
room temperature. The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a water-
soluble polymer, comprising the steps of (a) adding an acid and a
silicate, while maintaining the pH at 7.5-10, preferably 8-9, for a time of 60-180 minutes, (d) adding 1.8-5.0% of an
electrolyte, based on the initial volume of water, during the addition of the acid and
silicate (c), (e) stopping the addition of the
silicate, (f) adding an acid until the pH is reached to 3-6, (g) filtering,
drying and optionally
grinding. The
precipitated silica of the present invention is useful in
cosmetics, anti-
caking free / flow, food, carrier applications,
dentifrice and mouthwash.