Why can silicone be used as a desiccant?

The physical adsorption principle of silicone desiccants refers to the fact that the surface of silicone molecules has a large number of micropores and capillary pores, which can adsorb surrounding water molecules. The micropores and pores of silicone desiccants are of moderate size and can adsorb water molecules, but not other gas molecules. Therefore, silicone desiccants can maintain the dryness of the surrounding environment while adsorbing water molecules.

The chemical reaction principle of silicone desiccants refers to the fact that the surface of silicone molecules has a certain degree of chemical reactivity and can react with water molecules. The chemical reaction principle of silicone desiccants mainly refers to the reaction between hydroxyl groups (- OH) on the surface of silicone molecules and water molecules, generating silicon oxygen bonds (Si O-Si) on the surface of silicone molecules, thereby converting water molecules into compounds on the surface of silicone molecules. This chemical reaction can make the moisture absorption performance of silicone desiccants more stable and long-lasting.

Overall, the reason why silica gel can be used as a desiccant is that it utilizes the micropores and pores on the surface of silica gel to adsorb surrounding water molecules, while utilizing the chemical reactivity of the surface of silica gel molecules to convert water molecules into compounds on the surface of silica gel molecules, thereby achieving the drying effect. The principle of silicone desiccants is simple and reliable, so they are widely used in various fields, such as food, medicine, cosmetics, electronic products, etc.