hygroscopic
Absorbs atmospheric moisture
Hygroscopic describes materials that readily absorb moisture from the air.
Salt left in a humid room clumps because it's hygroscopic; silica gel packets protect electronics by being more hygroscopic than the surrounding goods.
The property matters in chemistry, food storage, and building materials: Hygroscopic ingredients must be stored in airtight containers.
Dissolving by absorbing atmospheric moisture
- efflorescenceCrystalline surface deposit
- capillary actionFluid movement through narrow channels
- sorptionSubstance attachment process
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
swelling · wicking · permeability · porosity · water retention · saturation point · isotherm
H₂O in gaseous state
- hydrogen bondingIntermolecular dipole attraction
- polar moleculesMolecules with uneven charge
- surface tensionCohesive force at liquid interfaces
- osmosisSolvent crossing semipermeable barrier
diffusion · condensation · hydration · dissolution · crystallization · polymers · relative humidity · partial pressure
Moisture-absorbing granular material
- calcium chlorideHygroscopic salt for de-icing
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- bentoniteAsh-derived absorbent clay
- phosphorus pentoxidePotent water-removing compound
glycerol · cellulose · perlite · vermiculite · biochar · activated charcoal · clay · rice
Protecting and restoring artifacts
- leather careMaintaining tanned animal skins
- climate controlRegulating indoor temperature
- microclimateLocalized atmospheric zone
- display casesEnclosed containers for exhibiting
Materials enclosing consumables
- seed storagePreserved germplasm repository
- ammunition storageWhere munitions are kept
- camera equipmentTools for photography
- shipping containersStandardized freight transport boxes
deliquescence
Dissolving by absorbing atmospheric moisture
- efflorescenceCrystalline surface deposit
- capillary actionFluid movement through narrow channels
- sorptionSubstance attachment process
adsorption · swelling · wicking · permeability · porosity · water retention · saturation point · isotherm
water vapor
H₂O in gaseous state
- hydrogen bondingIntermolecular dipole attraction
- polar moleculesMolecules with uneven charge
- surface tensionCohesive force at liquid interfaces
osmosis · diffusion · condensation · hydration · dissolution · crystallization · polymers · relative humidity · partial pressure · desiccation
silica gel
Moisture-absorbing granular material
- calcium chlorideHygroscopic salt for de-icing
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- bentoniteAsh-derived absorbent clay
phosphorus pentoxide · glycerol · cellulose · perlite · vermiculite · biochar · activated charcoal · clay · rice · salt
museum conservation
Protecting and restoring artifacts
- leather careMaintaining tanned animal skins
- climate controlRegulating indoor temperature
- microclimateLocalized atmospheric zone
food packaging
Materials enclosing consumables
- seed storagePreserved germplasm repository
- ammunition storageWhere munitions are kept
- camera equipmentTools for photography
shipping containers · humidity control · shelf life · paper production
hygroscopichydrophobic
Repels aqueous substances
water-repellent · moisture-resistant · nonabsorbent · water-resistant · waterproof