SILICA-BASED SOLS
The invention relates to a sol containing silica-based particles having an axial ratio of at least about 10 and specific surface area of at least about 600 m2/g. The invention further relates to a sol containing silica-based particles having an axial ratio of at least about 10 and S-value up to about 25. The invention further relates to a sol containing silica-based particles having an axial ratio of at least about 10 and a specific surface area of at least about 400 m2/g, wherein the silica-based particles are surface-modified. The invention further relates to a sol containing silica-based particles having a viscosity of at least 50 cP and silica content of at least about 3 % by weight, wherein the silica-based particles have a specific surface area of at least about 400 m2/g. The invention further relates to a process for producing the aqueous silica-based sol according to the invention, a sol containing silica-based particles obtainable by the process, use of the sol containing silica- based particles as a flocculating agent. The invention further relates to a process for producing paper in which the sol containing silica-based particles is used as a drainage and retention aid..