Importance Notes Associated With Silica Gel

Silica Gel can be defined as a vitreous, granular and porous form of silicon dioxide which is manufactured synthetically from the important material namely sodium silicate. This gel is quite hard and at the same time tough in nature and can also be stated as more solid from other common household gels such as agar or gelatin. It can also be defined as a mineral occurring naturally which is then processed and purified into two different forms, either in a beaded form or in a granular form. As it is a desiccant, therefore, the average pore size is 2.4 nanometers and comprises of a strong affinity for molecules of water.

One can see the uses of Silica Gel in gel daily household usages which are available in beads form and in small packets. In this regard, these beads are used as desiccant in order to control the humidity of the locality in order to avoid degradation or spoilage of certain goods. As this gel can absorb moisture quite well, therefore these packets also contain warnings for the users to avoid eating this product.

A little history related with this product:

The existence of this gel can be seen in early 1640s, which was used during World War I in order to absorb the gases and vapor inside the canisters of gas mask. The synthetic route which was used for producing this gel was first patented by Walter A. Patrick, a Chemistry professor at Johns Hopkins University, in the year 1919.

Silica Gel

Types of Silica Gel:

Some of the eminent types of these gels which are widely used nowadays are:

• Type A: These are also known as clear pellets which are approximately 2.5mm in diameter and comprises of drying and moisture proof properties. These are used as separators, catalyst carriers, variable pressure absorbent and more.
• Type B: These are Translucent and white in nature and are mainly used in drier and perfume carriers, liquid absorbents, cat litter and also catalyst carrier.
• Type C: this is of micro pored structure and is translucent in nature as well. This is used as raw materials for preparing cat litter which can also be screened and dried when required. This is mainly used as drier, catalyst carrier and absorbent.
• Stabilizing Silica Gel: It is non crystalline in nature and it comprises of micro porous solid power, which makes it flame resisting and nontoxic in nature. One can see the uses of this product in brewery of grains.