Services Products All Products Container desiccants Absorpole AbsorBag AbsorGel Hanging AbsorGel Blanket AbsorGel Max & Compact AbsorGel Sheet In-box desiccants AbsorGel Pouches AbsorGel Sheet Accessories Packaging Industries Agriculture Electronics Cocoa Automotive Beverage Knowledge Moisture Magazine Container rain Moisture damage costs Why calcium chloride? Moisture damage Caking Corrosion FAQ Webinars About Our organization R&D Quality and production News Our people Transparency & Accountability Sustainability Sustainable desiccants Circular economy program Contact Language Contact us Caking Caking refers to the undesired clumping or lumping in powdered substances, such as cosmetics, food powders, and pharmaceuticals. It manifests when powder particles aggregate, forming a compacted mass challenging to disperse or apply. Understanding caking Several factors can contribute to caking in powder products: Moisture Moisture is a leading cause of caking. Powders, when in contact with moisture—be it from ambient conditions or poor storage—can clump together. Humidity, water vapor, or even liquid water can instigate caking. Particle size and shape Fine powders with smaller particles are more prone to caking due to their increased surface area susceptible to moisture and aggregation. Particles with irregular shapes might interlock, further contributing to caking. Hygroscopicity Some powders naturally attract moisture. These hygroscopic powders can easily clump together when absorbing ambient moisture. Composition and formulation A powder’s ingredients and formulation can either exacerbate or mitigate caking. Elements like binders, fillers, or additives might encourage caking. Inconsistent mixing during production can further add to the problem. Packaging and storage Caking can result from improper packaging or storage. Exposing powders to high humidity or significant temperature fluctuations can lead to moisture absorption and subsequent caking. Containers that don’t shield against moisture further compound the issue. Products susceptible to caking during container transport (among others): Food powders Such as spices, seasonings, flour, cocoa, and powdered beverages. Pharmaceutical powders Medicinal ingredients, supplements, and other formulations. Cosmetics Powders like blushes, eyeshadows, and other makeup items. Chemical powders Dyes, pigments, and additives are examples. Methods to mitigate caking (among others): Anti-caking agents: Specific additives, like silica or magnesium stearate, are crafted to combat caking by managing excess moisture or enhancing flowability. Particle engineering: Techniques such as spray drying or granulation can modify particle properties, reducing caking tendencies. Packaging and storage: Using moisture-resistant packaging or adding desiccants can prolong product shelf life and quality. Regular quality checks: Rigorous quality checks during production can help in monitoring and managing caking tendencies. It’s important to note that the causes and preventive measures can differ based on the powder product’s type. Every industry devises strategies in line with their product specifics and manufacturing nuances. Container desiccants: The effective solution against caking Specifically designed to control moisture levels within shipping containers, container desiccants offer a robust defense against caking. Available in diverse forms like bags, strips, or sachets, they can be effortlessly placed within containers. By absorbing moisture, they reduce the container’s relative humidity, thus preventing caking and other moisture-induced challenges. Not only are container desiccants cost-effective and user-friendly, but they also boast a proven history of safeguarding a myriad of powdered products during transport. With the integration of proper moisture control measures and the right packaging, coupled with the use of these desiccants, caking during container transport is effectively addressed. This proactive approach not only safeguards the quality and integrity of powdered products but also enhances customer satisfaction and reduces product losses.
