About Dessicants

Dessicants – Organic And Inorganic
Most people recognize that those little white packets inserted into their shipped parcels contain a “dessicant”. A dessicant has one chief purpose and that is to control humidity and moisture. Dessicants do this effectively through the use of organic or inorganic chemical effects on the product it is designed to protect. One of the most basic types of dessicants is salt. The drying properties of salt has been a good way of preserving meats, fish and poultry for long term use where refrigeration was not available. The drying properties in salt remove all moisture and leave the substance intact. Salt as a dessicant for various types of fish retains flavor without increasing bacteria in the curing process.

Inorganic Dessicants
Shipping items that can be easily damaged by excessive humidity or moisture can be substantially prevented with the use of inorganic dessicants. Dessicants may contain chalk, silica or clay properties and are examples of inorganic dessicants that are considered inactive. These contain relatively benign chemical properties. In addition, some dessicants are chemically colored so their stability and freshness are evident in the color level. However, a dessicant is also a known agent used in many chemical processes in the manufacture of solvents and solvent-based products. Many cosmetics manufactured require a certain amount of drying in order to create the final products like nail enamels, face powders and certain cologne products. Where solvents may be part of the chemical makeup of the product, a dessicant can be used in the drying process.

Different Types Of Dessicants
In addition to the most common dessicant, silica gel, a number of other chemicals can be considered dessicants such as calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, sucrose, potassium carbonate, benzophenone, lithium chloride, lithium bromide and magnesium perchlorate to name a few. Certain dessicants are also used for a purpose other than dehydration. They are used wherever an absorption or adsorption reaction mechanism is necessary in a chemical process. As an example, aluminum oxide as a dessicant is used for drying gases like argon, hydrogen, freon, ammonia and nitrogen.