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Silica gel packets are usually available in different packaged products such as electronics and shoes. There is always a “Do Not Eat” warning on every silica gel to let customers not consume it.
These hidden and small packets have an important role in safeguarding products from moisture. It is necessary to explore what is the silica gel pack for? And how does it work? The comprehensive knowledge will enable you to know the functionality and uses of these effective packets.
What is Silica Gel?
It is a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the neighboring environment. Silica gel is not actually a gel but is a porous and granular form of silicon dioxide. These desiccant packs include a network of microscopic pores to keep and trap the molecules of water. The packets usually include effective beads to control the moisture levels.
What is silica gel used for? Or what does Silica gel do? This gel is used to keep products dry by absorbing moisture. A gel can absorb about 40% of its weight within the water, keeping products away from moisture-related problems such as spoilage, corrosion, mildew, and mold.
It is chemically inert and does not react with other substances, becoming an ideal option for different applications without damaging materials. You can use gel with custom product packaging for small businesses.
How Does Silica Gel Work?
Silica gel follows an absorption process to withdraw moisture and retain it on the surface of the porous beads. It can easily absorb moisture inside the air to maintain a dry environment when the gel is available in a sealed atmosphere such as a packaging or box.
It secures the content deterioration available in packaging. Therefore, silica gel purpose is to absorb moisture and maintain the dryness of products. The working of a silica gel is mentioned below for your convenience.
- Moisture Absorption: The beads in the packets of a silica gel come with a network of pores. The gel engages and absorbs the water vapors in the presence of air exposure.
- Ensure Dry Conditions: It maintains an adjacent environment at the lowest humidity level after the absorption of moisture. This is exceptionally important to secure moisture-sensitive items from damage.
- No Chemical Reaction: Silica does not undergo a chemical reaction because it is for moisture absorption. Is silica gel poisonous? No, it is not poisonous, but pets and children must not ingest this gel.
- Reactivation: It is easy to heat gel at a higher temperature for the reactivation process by evaporation of moisture in pores. A reactivated gel can be reused to control the moisture easily.
Types of Silica Gel
Can I use silica gel packets to clumpy? Yes, it can be used to avoid clumping through the absorption of excessive moisture to ensure the dryness of grains and powders. You can consider the following silica gel types.
White Silica Gel
It is a translucent or clear gel, which is being used in a variety of packaging options, like custom printed mylar pouches. White silica gel is a non-toxic and safe item, ensuring that color remains unchanged when blending with moisture.
Blue Silica Gel
This gel includes cobalt chloride to cause a blue color to beads when drying. The saturation of gel after absorbing moisture can change beads into a pink color. You need to handle blue silica carefully because cobalt chloride is a toxic element.
Orange Silica Gel
It is a non-toxic alternative to blue silica gel. This gel can easily alter from orange to green color because of moisture absorption. It is used in an atmosphere where gel can come into contact with different sensitive materials and food.
Uses of Silica Gel Packets
These packets are being used in a wide range of industries. There are different uses for silica gel packets, which are mentioned below:
Electronics
Moisture can easily damage electronic devices. These packets are transported with electronics or placed in the product packaging boxes to prevent damage, rust, and short circuits. For instance, silica gel packets are used in the packaging of laptops, mobile phones, and cameras.
Footwear and Clothing
It is a fact that clothes and shoes can absorb when being shipped or stored, resulting in annoying smells, mildew, and mold. You can use these packets in clothing packages and shoe boxes to ensure the dryness and freshness of products during long-term transit and storage.
Pharmaceuticals
Vitamins and medicines are sensitive to moisture, resulting in breaking down or degradation of effectiveness. These packets can be placed inside pill packaging or bottles to secure medicines and vitamins from moisture exposure.
Food Packaging
These premium packets are ideal for avoiding moisture-related spoilage in food packaging, such as custom packaging boxes with logos. Silica gel packets are perfect for dry food items like crackers, seaweed, and jerky because of maintaining crispness and freshness.
There should be no direct contact between food and silica gel. How long do silica packets last? The silica packets can last forever if they are kept in good condition.
Leather Goods
Moisture can also affect leather items such as belts, wallets, and bags through mildew, rot, and cracking. These magnificent packets are being utilized in leather packaging to avoid moisture damage, especially in the higher-humidity environment.
