Mixed Silica Gel Beads

About Mixed Silica Gel Beads

Mixed silica gel beads consist of a mixture of white non-indicating silica gel and a trace quantity (usually 510%) of indicating silica gel, either blue or orange in color depending on the use. Mixed silica gel beads are round in shape and come in a range of sizes, e.g., 13 mm, 24 mm, or 35 mm. The white beads consist of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiOnHO), while the colored ones are equipped with a moisture indicator that turns color when it becomes saturatedmost often blue to pink (in case of cobalt chloride-based) or orange to green (with a non-toxic, food-grade indicator). The blended silica gel is highly capable of absorbing moisture, tending to absorb 3035% by weight at 100% relative humidity. It provides a high surface area of 600800 m/g and bulk density from 700800 g/L. pH of the gel when dissolved in water ranges from 4 to 8, and the material has low loss on drying ( 5%) upon heating at 105C. With excellent mechanical strength (crushing strength 80 N for 35 mm beads), mixed silica gel beads are robust and trustworthy for continuous application. The presence of the indicating beads provides a visible check of desiccant performance, which makes them perfect for use in applications where moisture detection is important, like in electronics, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, and industrial storage.