SILICA GEL
SILICA GEL
Chemical Formula: SiO?·nH?O
Molecular Weight: ~60.08 g/mol
Description:
Silica Gel is a granular, porous form of silicon dioxide made synthetically from sodium silicate. It is a hard, translucent, and non-toxic material that readily adsorbs moisture, making it an excellent desiccant. Silica Gel is widely used for drying and moisture control in packaging, storage, and various industrial applications. It is available in different forms such as indicating (blue/orange) and non-indicating (white) grades.
Applications:
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Desiccant: Used for drying and moisture absorption in packaging of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
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Industrial Use: Employed in air and gas drying, transformer breathers, and compressed air systems.
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Chromatography: Used as an adsorbent for separation and purification processes.
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Humidity Control: Applied in museums, libraries, and storage facilities to protect sensitive materials.
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Petroleum Industry: Used in refining and catalyst support applications.
Key Properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Hard, translucent granules or beads |
| Color | White (non-indicating) / Blue or Orange (indicating) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Purity (SiO? Content) | ≥ 98% |
| Pore Size | 2 – 3 nm (average) |
| Bulk Density | 0.70 – 0.80 g/cm³ |
| Surface Area | 600 – 800 m²/g |
| Moisture Absorption | Up to 35–40% of its weight |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water and solvents |
| pH (of suspension) | 4.0 – 8.0 |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; regenerable by heating at 120–150°C |
| Grade | Indicating / Non-Indicating / Chromatography |
| Packaging | 25 kg HDPE drums / 25 kg bags / small sachets (1 g – 1 kg) |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place. Keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption. Avoid contact with water or acids. |
