How much moisture can silica-gel adsorb in relation to its own weight?

Silica gel is a highly porous substance that is commonly used as a desiccant because of its ability to adsorb moisture from the air. The saturation capacity of silica gel can vary depending on its form and conditions, but it is well-documented that standard silica gel can adsorb up to 40% of its weight in water. This makes it highly effective in applications where moisture control is critical, such as in packaging, electronic devices, and food storage.

This property of silica gel allows it to maintain a low humidity environment, making it invaluable in preserving the quality and integrity of sensitive materials. While some variations or treatments of silica gel might allow for different moisture adsorption capacities, the widely accepted figure for conventional silica gel is indeed around 40% of its weight.