Absorbing Silica Gel

About Absorbing Silica Gel

Absorbing Silica Gel is an extremely porous variety of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO), and it is employed mainly as a desiccant in order to regulate humidity through the process of adsorbing (not absorbing) moisture from the atmosphere. Despite being widely referred to as "absorbing" silica gel, the true nomenclature is actually adsorbing, because the water molecules stick to the surface of the gel, as opposed to being absorbed within it.

Silica gel is usually small, glassy beads or granules and can absorb 3035% of its own weight in water vapor, depending on humidity. It is available in various types:

White (Non-Indicating): Purified silica, no color change when wet.

Blue (Indicating): Cobalt(II) chloride content, pink color change when wet.

Orange (Indicating, Non-Toxic): Features a safe indicator that changes from orange to green or colorless.

Silica gel absorption is prevalent in packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and storage conditions to stop moisture deterioration, corrosion, mold, and deterioration. It is inert, non-corrosive, reusable when heated, and comes in forms including sachets, loose beads, or canisters.