Gel forming compositions

摘要

A substantially dry powder composition which when mixed with water forms a gel comprises a swelling clay, a sodium silicate having a silica to soda weight ratio of about 2.65:1 or below and an inorganic gelling agent for the sodium silicate which gelling agent does not introduce ions which significantly lower the gelling capacity of the clay. The composition is particularly suitable for use in coal mines as an anti-combustion material.