2006-08-31 05:18:45 · 19 answers · asked by ? 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Silica gel is a compound of Sodium slicate and silicon oxide, both in anhydrous state, that's to say that the material has no water molecules attached to it. Silica gel becomes hydrated rather easily, meaning that water attaches firmly to the compound and stays there. It's easy to tell as well when it's become hydrated, when anhydrous it's blue, as it absorbs moisture it becomes clear and subsequently it turns purple-reddish when it cannot hold any more moisture.
It is used in shoes and bags because silica gel is a moisture absorbing agent, as moisture will damage some goods (like leather in a brang new gucci bag), allowing for mould to grow and degrade the material. You wounldn't want find that when you open the box of the $300 adidas shoes you just bought all ragged by mould right?
Granted it's not the best dessicant in the market, but it is safe to have around humans (but don't eat it), and as such it can be dispensed to the public without license.
2006-08-31 05:27:11 · answer #1 · answered by flammable 5 · 12⤊ 0⤋
Silica gel is put into product packaging as a dessicant to prevent moisture from building up. Otherwise, mold might grow on the product over time, ruining an otherwise perfectly good product.
In Japan, due to the high humidity, silica gel is added to all kinds of packages. It is placed inside boxes for cookies, crackers, cakes (castella) even when individually wrapped. Sometimes it is even placed inside instant noodles next to the little pouch of noodle soup. However, in this case it is always clearly marked in both Japanese and English "silica gel (or dessicant): do not eat".
2006-08-31 05:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by Jazz In 10-Forward 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Silica gel, actually it's just silica and not a gel is a natural mineral which is able to absorb moisture many times its' weight. Absorbing the moisture helps prevent mold, mildew and rust. Best thing is it's reusable. If you cut open the little packets you can put it in a small dish and it'll absorb moisture from the air around it and gradually change color (usually from blue to pink or Vice-versa). After it has absorbed as much as it can you can put it a low oven and it'll dry and return to original color, ready to be used again.
2006-08-31 05:33:30 · answer #3 · answered by radar 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Silica gel absorbs moisture so that no mold or mildew grows on the items they're placed in.
2006-08-31 05:57:57 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Silica Gel is a desicant and it absorbs moisture out of the air to keep mold and mildew from growing. :)
2006-08-31 05:25:46 · answer #5 · answered by Rage 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is indeed used to absorb moisture in items such as handbags,shoes etc. My son got hold of some when he was about two and ate it. Major panic!!!
Turns out that the little bags that you get in the afore mentioned products are not enough to be toxic.
Just thought I' share that with you.
2006-08-31 05:28:22 · answer #6 · answered by Caroline H 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It absorbs moisture and keeps the shoes and bags in optimal condition to sell.
2006-08-31 05:26:07 · answer #7 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Basically very pure sand. It absorbs moisture. Without moisture, bacteria and mold can not grow, so it keeps things looking and smelling fresh.
2006-08-31 05:35:34 · answer #8 · answered by sandiego_roleplay 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everyone who said it's a desicant to absorb moisture gets a gold star
2006-08-31 05:25:36 · answer #9 · answered by Franklin 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is really a variation of sand that can absorb moisture. It is used to prevent mold on leather, rust on metal, fungus on lenses and to keep food fresh also because it is not toxic.
2006-08-31 05:24:26 · answer #10 · answered by Hermit 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋