Method of encapsulating particulate material

A method of encapsulating particulate materials, said method consisting of:

• a. providing acidified water at least sufficient for hydrolyzing a predetermined amount of alkoxysilane;
• b. thereafter, dispersing at least one type of particulate material in said acidified water;
• c. thereafter, slowly adding a predetermined amount of alkoxysilane having the general formula:
• RxSi(OR′)4-x
• wherein R is selected from the group consisting essentially of alkyl groups, substituted alkyl groups, aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, vinyl, allyl, and hydrogen,
• wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of fluorine, amino, hydroxy, and combinations thereof, and
• wherein R′ is selected from hydrogen and alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms;
• d. thereafter, allowing sufficient time for said alkoxysilane to hydrolyze and build a predetermined particle size;
• e, thereafter, treating said product from d. by slowly adding a predetermined amount of alkoxysilane having the general formula:
• RxSi(OR′)4-x
• wherein R is selected from the group consisting essentially of alkyl groups, substituted alkyl groups, aryl groups, substituted aryl groups, vinyl, allyl, and hydrogen,
• wherein the substituents are selected from the group consisting of fluorine, amino, hydroxy, and combinations thereof, and
• wherein R′ is selected from hydrogen and alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms;
• f. thereafter, allowing sufficient time for said alkoxysilane to hydrolyze and build a predetermined particle size.