Sorbent

Cross-section of a gas mask, with sorbent material visible

A sorbent is a material used to absorb liquids or gases. Examples include:

• A material similar to molecular sieve material. It has a large internal surface area and good thermal conductivity. It is typically supplied in pellets of 1 mm to 2 mm diameter and roughly 5 mm length or as grains of the order 1 mm. Occasionally as beads up to 5 mm diameter. They are typically made from aluminium oxide with a porous structure.
• Materials used to absorb other materials due to their high affinity for doing so. Examples include:
  • A sponge absorbs many times its own weight in water.
  • A polypropylene fiber mat may be used to absorb oil.
  • A cellulose fiber product may be used to absorb oil.
  • The granular gel material in a baby diaper will absorb several times its original weight in urine.

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