2007-09-22 06:16:52 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness (desiccation) in its local vicinity in a moderately-well sealed container.
Commonly encountered pre-packaged desiccants are solids, and work through absorption or adsorption of water, or a combination of the two. Desiccants for specialised purposes may be in forms other than solid, and may work through other principles, such as chemical bonding of water molecules.
Pre-packaged desiccant is most commonly used to remove humidity that would normally degrade or even destroy products sensitive to moisture. Silica gel, calcium sulfate, montmorillonite clay, and molecular sieves are commonly used as desiccants.
Rice is a common "low-tech" alternative, frequently used for example in salt-shakers to maintain granularity of table-salt for effective pouring or shaking. Rice, however, is not a good general purpose desiccant since, unless immersed in an organism-hostile environment like pure salt, over time may be eaten by creatures that might in turn pollute the product that is being preserved. Salt itself is another effective desiccant, used for millennia in preparation of dried foodstuffs.
Common drying agents for laboratory solvents and chemicals:
* Activated alumina
* Benzophenone
* Bentonite clay
* Calcium chloride
* Calcium hydride
* Calcium sulfate
* Copper(II) sulfate
* Lithium chloride
* Lithium hydride
* Lithium bromide
* Magnesium
* Magnesium sulfate
* Molecular sieve
* NaK, a sodium-potassium alloy
* Phosphorus pentoxide
* Potassium
* Potassium carbonate
* Silica gel
* Sodium
* Sodium chlorate
* Sodium hydroxide
* Sodium sulfate
* sodium-benzophenone
2007-09-22 08:31:50 · answer #1 · answered by statix 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A "desiccant" is a "drying agent". -or any kind of material that removes moisture from the air. It's usually added to prevent something else from getting damaged by high humidity or dampness.
2007-09-22 06:26:32 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nowadays, desiccants use widely in industries for the purpose of absorb moisture content from the air..also desiccant small packets use in packaging industry to preserve also extend the shelf life of products.
2015-02-25 15:30:46 · answer #3 · answered by Lisa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A substances which extracts moisture ( ie h20) from the air or from another substance, Therefore a dessicant will become hydrated as it attracts water.
2007-09-22 06:22:52 · answer #4 · answered by h b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mother first (friend next).........my children are the most important things in my life!!! my role as a mother will always come first!!
2016-05-21 00:08:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋