What is the characteristic of hygroscopic oils?

Hygroscopic oils are defined by their ability to readily absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This characteristic makes them useful in applications where moisture retention is beneficial, but it also means that they can be affected by humidity and condensation, potentially leading to issues like corrosion or reduced effectiveness in certain scenarios. The tendency to absorb moisture is a crucial property of hygroscopic materials, setting them apart from non-hygroscopic substances, which do not attract or absorb water. Understanding this property is vital for technicians as it influences how these oils are used and handled in refrigeration and HVAC systems.