Desiccants are aggregates or instruments that are used by people to absorb moisture. It is useful in safekeeping products and preventing their tarnishment. Many different types of desiccants are available in the market.

Their composition differs, contingent on the use. Its role in safeguarding travel materials, storage materials, and several other products is paramount. It is inexpensive and gets the job done. Moisture can mar the quality of a commodity and induce significant losses.

Investing in pharmaceutical desiccants will not only combat these woes but also ensure longevity. It is also exceedingly necessary to tightly pack the merchandise to avoid any moisture from entering. The size and type of container used can determine the level of moisture that can seep in. Extreme temperatures can heighten the susceptibility.

Hence, storage must occur at the dew point (the point at which the water vapor content of the air exceeds saturation and the excess water is shredded, forming dew or condensation) for pharmaceutical desiccants to prove their efficacy. The size of the container will also ascertain the number of desiccants used.

TYPES OF DESICCANTS

1) Montmorillonite Clay: This is a naturally absorbing desiccant manipulated by drying out the magnesium aluminum silicate of the subbentonite type. It successfully revives for multiple uses at low temperatures without extensive deterioration or swelling.

Though, this characteristic causes the clay to desorb moisture willingly back into the container as temperatures mount. Clay is economical and manifests efficacy within average temperatures or high humidity ranges.

2) Silica gel: This is the most common type of desiccant available in the market. It is an amorphous form of silica made from sodium silicate and sulfuric acid. The pores are interconnected, and they form a large surface area that attracts water by capillary condensation and absorption.

Silica gel is exceedingly practical at temperatures below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Its non-corrosive nature and non-toxic properties justify its popularity. The U.S. government approves using silica gel to package drugs and food.

3) Molecular sieve: Its primary contents are crystalline pores and empty absorption cavities which penetrate a huge absorptive area. It has a uniform structure and hence, desorbing moisture back to the packaging is not an option. Because it is synthetic, its price points are also higher. But its utility makes the product worth every penny.

4) Calcium oxide: This is a calcinated or re-calcinated lime containing a moisture absorptive capacity which is average. Its most distinguishing feature is the high penchant for absorption at deficient humidity levels. Calcium oxide is highly effective and is used by people to package dehydrated foods.

5) Calcium sulfate: Commercially known as Drierite, calcium sulfate is an economical alternative available in apt packaging formats. Calcium sulfate is made by the regulated dehydration of gypsum, which acts as a general-purpose desiccant geared primarily towards lab usage.

It has excellent chemical stability and is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and does not release the water it absorbs. It is inexpensive but also has a low absorption capacity. Although the substance possesses regenerative properties, it has limited uses.

USES OF DESICCANTS

It is mentioned in the earlier parts of the excerpt that individuals use desiccants to shield products. This part will discuss the types of products:

1) It helps in shielding shoes against any possible moisture infestation.

2) They also use desiccants to protect phones and camera boxes. Electronics are delicate items and can quickly get impaired.

3) New clothes, especially winter clothing, employ desiccants. They are more susceptible to infestations.

4) Vitamins and medicine bottles that need the utmost protection also use desiccants.

5) People have also yielded its benefits in draining water from a water damaged phone.

6) It can help in extending the life of razor gels. A person must put the desiccant in the same container as the razor after every shave. That will ensure the draining of moisture.

7) Travelling can become much more efficient with desiccants. People do not always find time to wash their clothes while traversing. Placing a desiccant in the bag will rid any foul smell.

8) One can preserve the shine on their jewelry by placing these packets among the jewelry. It prevents the moisture from settling, hence keeping the brightness.

CONCLUSION

Hence, desiccants are a boon in many aspects. They simplify human effort and inhibit deep losses. One of its major takeaways is that it is not very expensive and gets the job done. People have put desiccants to many more creative and domestic uses. Its competence makes it a profoundly reliable product.