Silica gel is an amorphous and porous shape of silicon dioxide (silica). Silica xerogel with an average pore size of 2.4 nanometers has a strong alliance for water molecules and is widely used as a desiccant. It is hard and translucent, but substantially softer than large silica glass or quartz; and remains strong when saturated with water. It is sometimes used in laboratory processes, for example to suppress convection in liquids or stop consecration of suspended particles.
Silica xerogel is generally commercialized as base granules or beads, a few millimeters in diameter. Some grains may also include small amounts of indicator substance that changes color when they have absorbed some water. Small paper envelopes containing silica xerogel pellets, generally including a "do not eat" warning, are often included in dry food packages to absorb some humidity that would possibly cause spoilage of the food.
Silica gel is additionally used to dry the air in industrial compressed atmosphere systems. Air from the compressor release flows via a bed over silica gel beads. The silica gel adsorbs moisture from the air, preventing damage at the point of use of the compressed air due to condensation or moisture. The identical system is used to dry the compressed air on railway locomotives, where condensation and ice in the brake air pipes may lead to break failure.
The international silica gel market is expected to witness growth in light of its increasing application in food & beverage, pharmaceutical, paints & coatings, plastics, or inks & printing industries. It is capable of adsorbing water vapor and is chemically phlegmatic & non-toxic which paves its road for use in the aforementioned applications. Asia Pacific (APAC) will continue to be the most profitable market for silica gel. The silica gel market in that region is projected to register the highest CAGR through 2030. Scope for the packaging industry among Asia Pacific is unexpectedly growing, including small and large industries majorly focusing on their logistics. As a whole any entrepreneur can venture in this project without risk and earn profit.
Few Indian major players
· B A S F India Ltd.
· Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd.
· Evonik Catalysts India Pvt. Ltd.
· Multisorb Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
· Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt. Ltd.