Definition - What does Deliquescent mean?
Deliquescent refers to a property of matter, particularly salt, that is characterized by easy dissolving or melting in water. Typically, hygroscopic substances such as paper, cotton, caramel, sulfuric acid, chemicals, fertilizer and common table salt are considered deliquescent.
Various salts like calcium chloride and zinc chloride are so highly hygroscopic that they can dissolve in water exceptionally easily, a property known as deliquescence.
Corrosionpedia explains Deliquescent
Due to the affinity of deliquescent substances to atmospheric pressure, such materials may require storage in very tightly sealed containers or storage tanks. When added to materials and foods for the purpose of preserving the moisture content, the substances are referred to as humectants. Compounds and materials demonstrate varying deliquescent properties and this may result in detrimental effects like stress concentration, especially in composite substances.
Several deliquescence brines from salts at elevated temperatures are corrosive, especially when they persist. Thus, hygroscopy differences of materials should be monitored accurately in all concerned industrial settings. Most of the time, excessive amounts of deliquescence can lead to elevated absorption of moisture that increases the stress of materials.
By having an accurate measure of the ability of a certain material or substance to hold water from its environment, the right measures can be implemented to improve operations and prevent system and process failures.