The water vapour sorption behaviour of several plant species has been studied. Results are discussed in terms of the equilibrium state (sorption isotherm, hysteresis) and also the kinetic behavior under conditions of adsorption and desorption. The results are considered by reference to the micromechanical behaviour of the cell wall matrix macromolecules. The implications for this work to further our understanding of the water vapour sorption properties of wood, plant fibres and other swelling gel systems are presented.
Keywords: Water vapour, sorption, kinetics
Authors
Hill C.A.S.
Forest Products Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh
Login to download the PDF