Desiccant definition: role, usefulness and functioning

What is a desiccants?

A desiccant is a material that can capture moisture in the air. Its principle is based on an essential property: the absorption or adsorption of water vapor depending on its composition. The aim is to reduce the ambient humidity in a given space.

The term comes from Latin Desiccare, meaning “to dry out.” Numerous desiccants exist today, each with different hygroscopic capacities depending on their chemical nature.

How do the different types of desiccants work?

Not all desiccants work at the same level of relative humidity.
Some are effective even when the air is very dry, while others only become active when the humidity is higher. This variation depends on their molecular structure and on their activation threshold.

Absorption capacity

A decisive criterion is the quantity of water that the material can capture. The higher it is, the more efficient the desiccant is. A low absorption power therefore reduces its effectiveness.

Regeneration and energy costs

Some desiccants can be regenerated using heat. The temperature required for this regeneration has a direct influence on the energy cost. The higher it is, the more expensive the process will be.

Absorption speed

The speed with which a desiccant captures water plays a crucial role, especially in the event of sudden changes in humidity. A material that is too slow will not be able to effectively stabilize the humidity under these conditions.

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Air Sponge: the premium solution that goes beyond conventional desiccants

Unlike desiccant bags that saturate quickly and end up in the trash, Air Sponge uses a patented mesoporous material capable of adsorbing humidity as soon as the level exceeds about 60%, then releasing it naturally when the air dries up.