hygroscopy
Absorbs surrounding moisture
Hygroscopy is the ability of a substance to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding air.
Materials with this property, called hygroscopic, can absorb moisture even from relatively dry environments.
Salt clumping in humid weather demonstrates hygroscopy, as does the way certain cookies go soft when left out.
The property matters in fields from food preservation to pharmaceutical storage, where controlling moisture absorption affects product quality and shelf life.
Moisture-absorbing granular material
- desiccantMoisture-absorbing material
- calcium chlorideHygroscopic salt for de-icing
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- phosphorus pentoxidePotent water-removing compound
Process of taking in
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
- porosityVoid space density
- capillarityLiquid rise in tubes
- permeabilityAbility to transmit fluids
swelling · water retention · sorption · cellulose · salt · sugar · glycerol · honey
Crystalline surface deposit
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- crystallizationForming ordered solid structure
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
solvation · liquefaction · saturated · supersaturated · hydrous · aqueous · phase change · deliquesce
Air's moisture versus capacity
- dew pointCondensation begins here
- moisture contentWater present in substance
- humidity sensorInstrument measuring air moisture
- wet-bulbHumidity-adjusted temperature measurement
Preventing waste or loss
- archivingStoring for long-term keeping
- climate controlRegulating indoor temperature
- hermetic sealingImpermeable containment method
- moisture barrierMaterial blocking water transfer
silica gel
Moisture-absorbing granular material
- desiccantMoisture-absorbing material
- calcium chlorideHygroscopic salt for de-icing
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
phosphorus pentoxide · dehumidifier · humidity control · regeneration
absorption
Process of taking in
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
- porosityVoid space density
- capillarityLiquid rise in tubes
permeability · swelling · water retention · sorption · cellulose · salt · sugar · glycerol · honey · wool
efflorescence
Crystalline surface deposit
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- crystallizationForming ordered solid structure
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
hydration · solvation · liquefaction · saturated · supersaturated · hydrous · aqueous · phase change · deliquesce
relative humidity
Air's moisture versus capacity
- dew pointCondensation begins here
- moisture contentWater present in substance
- humidity sensorInstrument measuring air moisture
conservation
Preventing waste or loss
- archivingStoring for long-term keeping
- climate controlRegulating indoor temperature
- hermetic sealingImpermeable containment method
- moisturemoisture, humidity, dampness, wetness, wet
- moisture termsmoisture, humidity, wetness, dampness, dryness
- Desiccation Survivaltardigrades, tardigrade, water bears, water bear, brine shrimp
hygroscopyhydrophobicity
Resistance to wetting
water resistance · hydrophobia · impermeability · desiccation · waterproofness