There are several types of desiccants available that are commonly used to prevent moisture damage in various applications. Here are six popular desiccant types widely used for moisture control:
Silica Gel: Silica gel is one of the most commonly used desiccants. It is made from silicon dioxide and has a high moisture-absorbing capacity. Silica gel can be found in small packets, sachets, or as loose beads and is often used in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging.
Clay Desiccants: Clay desiccants, such as bentonite clay, are natural materials with excellent moisture-absorbing properties. They are safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Clay desiccants are often used in packaging electronics, leather goods, and other products where moisture control is critical.
Molecular Sieve: Molecular sieve desiccants consist of synthetic zeolite minerals with uniform pores that selectively adsorb moisture molecules. They have a high moisture-absorbing capacity and are commonly used in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and natural gas industries.
Calcium Chloride: Calcium chloride desiccants have a high moisture-absorbing capacity and are commonly available as pellets or in a granular form. They are effective at absorbing moisture from the air and are often used in transportation, storage, and industrial applications.
Montmorillonite Clay – Commonly known as bentonite is a naturally occurring adsorbent created by the controlled drying of magnesium aluminum silicate of the sub-bentonite type. Clay desiccant works best below 120°F; anything above 120°F the clay may give off moisture. Montmorillonite clay is the least expensive desiccant per pound when compared with the others and is widely used in medicine and pharmacology.
Nitrogen (N2) – Unlike the other desiccant types, Nitrogen is a gas. An advantage of Nitrogen is when used within a nitrogen-base dry cabinet, Relative Humidity (RH) can quickly be lowered inside the chamber. Generally used in semiconductor research and manufacturing industries to precisely control RH during storage. A meter can help monitor and adjusted to maintain the desired set-point. Nitrogen can be purchased in tanks or a nitrogen generator can be used to generate nitrogen inside the lab.
When selecting a desiccant, it's important to consider factors such as the moisture levels, temperature, and specific requirements of your application. Each desiccant type has its own strengths and limitations, so it's advisable to consult product specifications and guidelines to determine the most suitable desiccant for your particular needs.
