Silica gel, a form of amorphous silicon dioxide, is manufactured in hard, uneven particles or irregular beads. With its microporous structure and interlocking cavities, silica gel boasts a large surface area of 800 square meters per gram, making it a high-capacity desiccant. The composition of silica gel allows it to have a lower vapor pressure on its crystal surface compared to the surrounding environment, leading to the binding of water molecules.
Silica gel was developed before WWI and found application in Allied gas masks. During WWII, it became widely used to preserve penicillin. Silica gel's unique properties make it an excellent desiccant, with applications ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to electronics and textiles. It consists of a network of interconnected microscopic pores that enable it to absorb and retain moisture through physical adsorption and capillary condensation.
Benefits of Using Silica Gel as a Desiccant:
Capacity of Adsorption:
Silica gel's adsorption potential increases with relative humidity, and it can selectively adsorb molecules based on their molecular weights and polarities.
Silica Gel Regeneration (Re-Dry/Re-Use):
Silica gel can be regenerated using either the oven drying method or the microwave drying method. The oven drying method involves drying silica gel at 120 degrees Celsius until it turns a medium blue color. The microwave drying method requires heating silica gel at medium to medium-high power for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring periodically until the desired dryness is achieved.
BhavNil Chemicals Private Limited specialize in providing innovative desiccant solutions for various industries. Contact us to learn more about our products and services tailored to meet your moisture control needs.
