Other Names:
Silica; Silicon Dioxide Gel; Silica Desiccant; Amorphous Silica
Specification Summary
- Purity: ≥98–99%
- Form: Transparent or translucent beads, granules, or powder
- CAS No.: 112926-00-8 / 14808-60-7 (depending on form)
- Molecular Formula: SiO₂·nH₂O (amorphous, hydrated form)
- Molecular Weight: ~60.08 g/mol
Product Description
Silica gel is an amorphous, porous form of silicon dioxide. It appears as transparent or translucent glass-like beads, granules, or fine powder. It is insoluble in water and all common solvents, non-corrosive, non-alkaline, and chemically stable. Silica gel is non-toxic, tasteless, and exhibits a high surface area, allowing it to adsorb significant quantities of water vapor. It does not react with most chemicals except strong alkalis and hydrofluoric acid. Its moisture adsorption is reversible, making it reusable after drying.
Silica Gel Specification Table
| Property | Specification / Typical Value |
| Purity (SiO₂ content) | ≥98–99% |
| Appearance | Transparent/translucent beads/lumps |
| Form | Beads, granules, powder |
| Surface Area | 650–800 m²/g |
| Pore Volume | 0.35–0.45 ml/g |
| Average Pore Diameter | 2.0–4.0 nm |
| Bulk Density | 700–800 g/L |
| Moisture Adsorption (RH 20%) | ≥10–11% |
| Moisture Adsorption (RH 50%) | ≥22–29% |
| Moisture Adsorption (RH 90%) | ≥32–37% |
| pH (in water) | 4–8 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water/solvents |
| Thermal Stability | Up to 2230 °C |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive |
| Alkaline Nature | Non-alkaline |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download to provide detailed specifications, safety, and handling information.
Application Sectors and Industries of Silica Gel
Electronics and Semiconductor Industry
Silica gel is essential for protecting sensitive electronic components, circuit boards, and semiconductor devices from moisture-induced corrosion and malfunction. It is widely used in packaging and storage of microchips, sensors, and optical fibers to ensure reliability and longevity.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
In pharmaceuticals, silica gel acts as a desiccant in medicine bottles, blister packs, and diagnostic kits, preventing moisture degradation of tablets, capsules, and reagents. Its non-toxic and chemically inert nature makes it ideal for direct contact with medicinal products.
Food and Beverage
Silica gel sachets are used in food packaging to control humidity, prevent spoilage, and extend shelf life of products such as dried foods, snacks, spices, and coffee. Food-grade silica gel complies with stringent safety standards for direct food contact.
Leather and Textile
Moisture-sensitive goods like leather shoes, bags, garments, and textiles are protected from mold, mildew, and odor during shipping and storage by silica gel packets, ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction.
Industrial Equipment and Machinery
Silica gel is used to safeguard machinery, control panels, and precision instruments from condensation and rust, especially during transportation and storage in humid environments.
Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives
As an additive, silica gel improves scratch resistance, texture, and shelf stability in paints, coatings, and adhesives. It prevents caking and enhances the performance of industrial formulations.
Filtration and Water Treatment
Silica gel and silica sand are employed in water filtration systems to remove impurities and suspended particles, ensuring clean process water in municipal, industrial, and swimming pool applications.
Foundry and Metallurgy
Silica gel and silica sand are used in mold-making for metal casting, offering high heat resistance and dimensional stability for precision automotive and aerospace components.
Renewable Energy and Battery Manufacturing
Silica gel is integral in the production of silicon wafers for solar panels and acts as an advanced desiccant in lithium-silicon battery systems, improving energy density and device longevity.
Chromatography and Laboratory
Silica gel serves as a stationary phase in chromatographic separations for pharmaceuticals, chemical analysis, and environmental testing, offering high precision and selectivity.
Packaging Types
- Silica Gel Pouches/Sachets:Small, sealed packets containing beads or powder, ideal for packaging electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
- Canisters:Rigid, reusable containers filled with silica gel, suitable for large-scale or long-term moisture protection in storage cabinets and shipping containers.
- Desiccant Bags:Large bags designed for industrial and bulk applications, such as machinery, cargo shipments, and warehouse storage.
- Bulk Drums/Bags:Supplied in large quantities for industrial users, available in fiber drums, HDPE drums, or woven sacks.
- Indicating Silica Gel:Available in both pouches and canisters, these change color (e.g., orange to green) to visually signal moisture saturation and replacement needs.
- Custom Packaging:Tailored solutions including custom sizes, shapes, and printed branding, designed to meet specific industry or regulatory requirements.
Silica gel’s versatility, high adsorption capacity, and chemical stability make it indispensable across a wide range of industries. For detailed handling, safety, and technical information, please refer to the downloadable Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
