Silica Gel History
Silica gel was patented by chemistry professor Walter A. Patrick at John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland in 1919. Prior, it was already used in World War I for the adsorption of vapors and gases in gas mask canisters. In World War II silica gel was indispensable in the war effort for many purposes.
Silica Gel Properties
Silica gel is a form of silicon dioxide, SiO2, the material that occurs in nature as sand. The difference between silica gel and sand is that sand is non-porous and non-absorbent, whereas silica gel is highly porous and highly absorbent.
Silica gel is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic, and offers an excellent capacity for physical and chemical dehumidification because of its phenomenal ability to absorb moisture and gases, chemical stability, wide surface area and higher mechanical strength. Silica gel is a safe substance most commonly used to absorb excess moisture in flowers and food or to protect materials such as leather or computer equipment from humidity. It is easy to handle and silica gel saturated with moisture can be reused following evaporation.
Its high porosity, around 800 m²/g, allows it to adsorb water readily, making it useful as a desiccant (drying agent). It can reduce the humidity in a closed space to around 40%. Silica gel is non-toxic, non-flammable and chemically un-reactive thus making it totally safe for use.
Silica Gel Used as Cat Litter Among it’s many productive uses, Silica gel is also used as cat litter, by itself or in combination with more traditional forms of cat litter (such as clay or bentonite.) It is trackless and odorless. 100% silica gel crystals are used as a cat litter competing with traditional, less efficient litters. Silica gel can adsorb more urine than clay, clumping and scooping litters as it is a superior desiccant compared to other litters. Many cat litter manufacturers mix silica gel crystals with their clay litters calling it a “blend” of crystals, but 100% silica gel crystals provides superior adsorption of cat urine, eliminating urine odors and providing the best management of cat litter pan odors. Chemical Formula SiO2 (Silica Gel) Trade name/Synonym : Silica gel Molecular weight: 60.08 Boiling point: 2230 Melting point: 1610
About Amazing® Cat Litter
Silica gel is a granular, porous form of silica made synthetically from sodium silicate. Despite the name, . Amazing Cat Litter is 100% silica gel crystals. The superior adsorption properties of 100% silica gel crystals make it the best odor control cat litter.
Silica gel is a solid crystal. It is most often distributed in the form of beads, which are packaged in a small packet, used in various products to prevent moisture or gases from entering.
