Silica Gel
Easy-to-use Silica gel packets are a simple way to give sensitive electronic devices like cameras, and electronic components extra protection. Whether you’re shipping overseas, or by air, our guaranteed quality silica gel sachets absorb up to 24% of their weight - without becoming damp. So you can prevent corrosion in crates and boxes in temperatures up to 105ºC.
Remember, our in-house packaging specialists can help you find the right protective products for your business. So if you have any questions or just want a recommendation, give us a call.
Silica gel is a synthetically produced form of silicon dioxide in the form of hard irregular granules or beads. A microporous structure of interlocking cavities gives a very high surface area making silica gel a high capacity desiccant. Water molecules adhere to the gels surface because it exhibits a lower vapour pressure than the surrounding air. There is no chemical reaction, by-products or side effects produced by silica gel and water vapour is simply absorbed into its internal pores.
Atmospheric moisture and adverse weather conditions can cause transit damage to commercial items should they not be packaged well enough. Items that are particularly susceptible to aesthetic and/or physical moisture damage include optical equipment, electrical goods and items of clothing. The addition of a desiccant – such as silica gel – to packages however can help to maintain the high quality of items prepared for delivery or placed into storage.
Silica gel absorbs unwanted moisture from parcels and containers before it has a chance to impact the goods within with rust or corrosion damage. Even when wet, our silica gel packs remain dry and free flowing, meaning they are a reliable solution.
The required size of desiccant silica packet will very much depend on the chosen application. Generally speaking though, it is recommended that:
- 5 grams of silica gel is used per cubic foot of volume and
- 170 grams is used per cubic metre of volume.
