Silicon
Dioxide (SiO2), a naturally occurring component in sand, is silica gel in
colloidal form. It comes in tiny containers and is commonly used as a
dehumidifier or desiccant. Silica gel is made up of tiny pellets of silica and
water. These little pellets are capable of absorbing significant volumes of
water. Molds
thrive in conditions of high humidity. This can result in the spoiling of
packaged goods. The desiccant silica gel absorbs water and decreases moisture,
minimizing product degradation caused by excess moisture. To manage humidity
levels, the silica gel packets function as dehumidifiers or humidity packs.They have a wide range of
applications, such as those used in the pharmaceutical industry, electronic
industry, food industry, clothing industry, and also in diagnostic kits.
Desiccants
are usually hygroscopic substances that absorb moisture and maintain dryness in
the surrounding environment. They reduce humidity in the air. Silica gel is a
type of desiccant. In the studies of desiccant vs silica gel, it is seen
that the main difference between desiccants and silica gel is that desiccants
adsorb or absorb moisture. At the same time, silica gel is a desiccant that
absorbs water.
