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    #1

    importance of silica gel

    I recently blew out my knee, so I'v spent some time researching, and examining my collection.

    I have read that there is no cure for zinc pest, and really no treatment for it either (some say vaseline helps others say it can only cause further damage) . That being said, three years ago I purchased an IAB with some zinc pest, and the only thing I did to combat it was to put in in a small riker mount with a large packet of silica gel. Now I'm not trying to say this is the perfect way to deal with it, but in those three years the zinc pest has not progressed at all...... I'm letting you know my experience to help myself and others to try and understand how zinc pest works. Is it possible that the only way to stop this "cancer" is to take away the fuel that feeds it, or will this only slow it down, as everything else.

    Your comments would be much appreciated
    Mike Y
    Tags: None
    #2
    Remember to recondition / recharge the silca gel after time ...........

    Comment

      #3
      In my experience, 'zinc pest' never gets any worse if you just keep the item in a dry place.

      I have had untreated badges for 40 years and the zinc pest has not progressed.

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by Robin Lumsden View Post
        In my experience, 'zinc pest' never gets any worse if you just keep the item in a dry place.

        I have had untreated badges for 40 years and the zinc pest has not progressed.
        I agree with Robin...
        Cheers, Steve
        ----------------------------------------------------------------
        "Next to a battle lost, the saddest thing is a battle won." Arthur Wellesley — Duke of Wellington

        Comment

          #5
          Originally posted by Military View Post
          Remember to recondition / recharge the silca gel after time ...........

          Thanks for the replies guys

          How often should this be done?

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by Robin Lumsden View Post
            In my experience, 'zinc pest' never gets any worse if you just keep the item in a dry place.

            I have had untreated badges for 40 years and the zinc pest has not progressed.
            I'm sure glad to hear that, Robin! Reports from those who have kept such pieces long-term are the best sources for facts. Like you, I have also never seen the pest progress any further on anything I have in storage or on display, while, of course, kept in a dry place.

            There are those who believe that lead impurities in the zinc can cause the pest to pop up anywhere, anytime, regarless of whether it's dry, wet or whatever. However, I've also considered humidity to be the main necessary catalyst for the pest. Luckily, humidity is controllable.

            Chris

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by mike y View Post
              Thanks for the replies guys

              How often should this be done?
              I'll add that "recharging" or "reconditioning" silica beads (or removing the moisture it's absorbed) is as simple as heating it in the microwave for a few minutes. I heat them up about once a month myself, but it all depends on your environment too. I think some even change colors when they should be reconditioned. Directions for that should be on the container, as they are on the containers I purchase. I've heated my beads up many times, and it's worked just fine for me.

              I have never seen the silica in a "gel" form, as mentioned above. I've only seen silica beads which I use only to keep my meteorites dry. I find that the beads work best in smaller containers that are air-tight. If used in larger environments, with so much more potential moisture to absord, they are like peeing in the sea, when it comes to making a difference with preventive measures. They just become saturated and neutralized too quickly to be effective and worth your time.

              Since the beads are also used to dry flowers, they can also be purchased at most craft shops. That's where I get mine (again, only for my meteorites).

              Chris
              Last edited by Stahlhelm; 01-16-2010, 03:07 AM.

              Comment

                #8
                Originally posted by Stahlhelm View Post
                There are those who believe that lead impurities in the zinc can cause the pest to pop up anywhere, anytime, regarless of whether it's dry, wet or whatever. However, I've also considered humidity to be the main necessary catalyst for the pest. Luckily, humidity is controllable.

                Chris
                Yeah...I think the lead impurities spontaneous return of zincpest theory is bunkum to be frank! As you say Chris, conditions and care are the key!
                Cheers, Steve
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                "Next to a battle lost, the saddest thing is a battle won." Arthur Wellesley — Duke of Wellington

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Steve P View Post
                  Yeah...I think the lead impurities spontaneous return of zincpest theory is bunkum to be frank! As you say Chris, conditions and care are the key!
                  I happily agree with that, Steve!

                  Chris

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Stahlhelm View Post
                    I'll add that "recharging" or "reconditioning" silica beads (or removing the moisture it's absorbed) is as simple as heating it in the microwave for a few minutes. I heat them up about once a month myself, but it all depends on your environment too. I think some even change colors when they should be reconditioned. Directions for that should be on the container, as they are on the containers I purchase. I've heated my beads up many times, and it's worked just fine for me.

                    I have never seen the silica in a "gel" form, as mentioned above. I've only seen silica beads which I use only to keep my meteorites dry. I find that the beads work best in smaller containers that are air-tight. If used in larger environments, with so much more potential moisture to absord, they are like peeing in the sea, when it comes to making a difference with preventive measures. They just become saturated and neutralized too quickly to be effective and worth your time.

                    Since the beads are also used to dry flowers, they can also be purchased at most craft shops. That's where I get mine (again, only for my meteorites).

                    Chris
                    My wife get them in packets from her work, and although it says silica gel on the packet, they are in bead form. I'v never opened one up to see it it's gel inside those beads, but I can only assume that it is.

                    Thanks for the info on how, and how often to recharge them, Chris

                    Cheers
                    Mike

                    Comment

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