The characteristics, safety performance and main uses of silicone

Silica gel is a highly active amorphous substance with a chemical formula of mSiO2 nH2O. It is insoluble in water and any solvent, non-toxic, odorless, and chemically stable. It does not react with any substance except strong alkali and hydrofluoric acid. Due to different manufacturing methods, different types of silica gel have different microporous structures. Due to its chemical composition and physical structure, silica gel has many characteristics that cannot be replaced by other similar materials: high adsorption performance, good thermal stability, stable chemical properties, high mechanical strength, etc.

Silica gel can be divided into macroporous silica gel, coarse silica gel, B silica gel and fine silica gel according to its pore size. Due to different pore structures, their adsorption properties have their own characteristics. Coarse silica gel has a larger adsorption capacity when the relative humidity is high, while fine silica gel has a greater adsorption capacity than coarse silica gel when the relative humidity is low. Due to its pore structure, the adsorption capacity of B-type silica gel is between coarse and fine silica gel. Macroporous silica gel is generally used as a catalyst carrier, matting agent, toothpaste abrasive, etc., so different varieties should be selected according to different uses.

Safety performance

The main component of silica gel is silicon dioxide, which has stable chemical properties and is non-toxic.

Silica gel has a strong adsorption capacity and can dry human skin. If silica gel enters the eyes, rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Blue silica gel is toxic because it contains a small amount of cobalt chloride. It should be avoided from contact with food and inhalation. In case of poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

Main Applications

Silica gel has the characteristics of strong adsorption, fast and effective adsorption of moisture in sealed packages, stable chemical properties, and non-toxic and harmless; coupled with the continuous innovation and development in recent years, various silica gels have been widely used in drug purification, DNA separation, food drying, high-precision electronics, advanced cosmetics, sewage purification, beer purification, advanced coatings and resin production or preservation, etc. In our daily life and production and operation activities, silica gel is often used in the following aspects:

Leather drying, such as putting it in leather clothes, bags, and shoes, plays a role in drying and preserving;

Food drying, more common in biscuits and fried foods to ensure the crispness of food;

In terms of drying, put the medicine in the medicine bottle to ensure the extension of the shelf life of the medicine;

Container drying: The transported container will form 'internal rain' in the box at different latitudes. If silica gel desiccant is used, it can absorb moisture equivalent to its own weight, which can effectively reduce the dew point and control the condensation of the container during ocean transportation, which can be up to 50 days longer.