ChemBro & BhavNil Chemicals Private Limited's Food Grade Silica Gel – Composition and Applications

  • ChemBro
  • 07 Mar 2021
chembro-bhavnil-chemicals-private-limiteds-food-grade-silica-gel-composition-and-applications

Silica gel desiccant is one of the most widely used absorption agents for protecting foods from oxidation, which is caused mostly by moisture or the presence of other poisonous gases that can produce an unwanted odour.

It is important to preserve the shelf life of packaged goods that would maintain their original properties or freshness for an extended period of time. Silica gel is a well-known absorbent of unwanted atmospheric contaminants.

The Composition of Silica Gel

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of silica gel is that it is porous and granular in nature. It's made of sodium silicate, which is converted to silica dioxide, which is then replaced by the word gel.' It's also known for being a tough and durable mineral that attracts a lot of moisture.

It's usually found in bead form, packaged in small Tyvek paper packages that allow moisture and silica gel to combine. It is a widely used desiccant. It is strictly advised not to be eaten at any expense due to its properties. This notice is printed on every package..

Silica Gel's Many Applications in Food Packaging

Food poisoning is caused by a variety of factors, including humidity. Fortunately, silica gel has the enormous benefit of absorbing about 40% more moisture than its own weight and size. These packs are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the amount of food that needs to be protected.

The majority of silica gel sachets are packaged in a suitable medium that facilitates the removal of moisture and other potentially hazardous elements. It's usually made of Tyvek or polyester fibre. Another significant advantage of using silica gel is that it can be regenerated or reused several times. In this case, the only need is to heat it to a specific temperature (around 250°F for around 2 hours) in order to release any of the unwanted compounds that have been deposited in its pores.

Silica gel is an excellent substitute for preserving the durability of Isomalt and cooked sugar, which absorb moisture quickly. These materials are notorious for being sticky when exposed to moisture. Because of these properties and qualities, silica gel is an excellent option for preventing moisture from entering products.