Silica gel is a synthetic material that was patented in 1919 by Walter Patrick from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Although its name implies it is a gel, it is a solid material made from sodium silicate. Silica gel is used to draw moisture from other materials.
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One of the common uses of silica gel is in merchandise packaging to keep out moisture. The substance is packaged in small packets with the warning "do not eat."
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Initially silica gel was used in World War I gas masks. It helped to absorb vapors and moisture.
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Silica gel can be used by crafters to dry flowers. Cut flowers are placed in the gel, and moisture is drawn out.
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The substance is a desiccants with many commercial uses. It is used in cat litter, to dry leather, preserve food, remove humidity and to dry air in compressed air systems.
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Silica gel is used as a stationary phase in chromatography. Chromatography is a chemical process to separate mixtures.
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