Moisture-absorbent Products may be utilised in well-sealed display cases to control relative humidity. Because silica gel behaves both as a moisture absorber and desorbed, it may buffer microclimates against too low or higher RH levels-eliminating or decrease daily, weekly and seasonal fluctuation. Silica gel is a tough, inert crystalline material accessible Granular, powder, or curved bead forms. Commercial products are also available where the gel is impregnated to other materials like foam and paper polymers. Silica gel is non-combustible, non-corrosive, and nontoxic. Avoid breathing in the dust of silica gel, however, and keep in mind that the impregnated products could be combustible or emit improper volatiles. There are two types of gels: conventional silica gels and newer hybrid gels.
Traditional silica gels are crystalline 2-5mm and were created for industrial goods. The museum community has employed this sort of moisture absorber for a long time, mainly as a desiccant to keep lower relative humidifies. Eagle, Davidson and United Desiccant Gels are big providers of conventional silica gel. Hybrid gels were developed to be extremely capable of both absorbing and desorbing moisture. Hybrid gels are better at preserving mid-range relative humidifies 40-70% Arts orb, Artem Gel, Pros orb and Rapid Gel are hybrid powders available commercially in many types including loose diamonds, sheets, cassettes, and tiles.
How can silica gel work?
Silica gel can absorb up to 40% of its own weight at high humidity levels. Its moisture absorbing capacity relies on large surface area created by surface pores and by interstitial micro pores which contain capillary channels. Polar water molecules attracted into the stations by capillary action are saved there until released. Silica gel can be used to keep a particular relative humidity level e.g., a very low level for a desiccant or to keep an RH range e.g., levels between 40 to 60% RH. Before use, the gel has to be conditioned to the desired RH. Tightly-sealed display instance, with little if any air leakage into the ambient exhibit area; maintenance compartment to store an adequate quantity of gel, available for maintenance purposes; the gel could be concealed behind a panel at the bottom, sides, or rear of the case.