SILICA GEL Meaning and
Definition
-
Silica gel refers to a highly porous, granular form of silicon dioxide, often manufactured in the form of small beads containing tiny pores. It is commonly used as a desiccant, which means it is employed to remove moisture or water vapor from the surrounding environment. Its highly adsorbent nature allows it to efficiently absorb and hold water molecules, preventing the growth of mold, mildew, or moisture-related damage in various applications.
Silica gel is typically prepared by either synthetically modifying sodium silicate or through an extraction process from a naturally occurring source, such as quartz, which is then subjected to high temperatures to produce the granular form. The resulting substance is non-toxic, odorless, and chemically inert, making it widely used for a range of purposes.
The main characteristic of silica gel is its ability to effectively absorb and retain moisture, indicating its widespread use in preventing corrosion and prolonging the shelf life of various products, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, and food. Due to its excellent absorption capacity, silica gel can reduce the humidity levels of confined spaces, such as sealed containers or packaging, thus protecting sensitive items from moisture damage during shipping and storage.
It is important to note, however, that silica gel is not edible and should not be consumed. Bags or packets containing silica gel are often labelled with warnings indicating their non-consumable nature.
Common Misspellings for SILICA GEL
- ailica gel
- zilica gel
- xilica gel
- dilica gel
- eilica gel
- wilica gel
- sulica gel
- sjlica gel
- sklica gel
- solica gel
- s9lica gel
- s8lica gel
- sikica gel
- sipica gel
- sioica gel
- siluca gel
- siljca gel
- silkca gel
- siloca gel
Etymology of SILICA GEL
The word "silica" originates from the Latin word "silex", which means flint or hard stone. "Gel", on the other hand, comes from the Late Latin word "gelu", meaning gelatin or freeze. Invented in the early 20th century, silica gel is a desiccant or drying agent composed of sodium silicate that has the appearance of small transparent or translucent beads. The term "silica gel" is a combination of "silica" referring to its composition and "gel" indicating its gel-like physical state.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
