Absorption of Water Vapor Using Superabsorbent Polymer Composite Material

The ability of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) to absorb water vapor was studied. A multilayer composite material was prepared where SAP particles were spread in the fluffy fibrous layer located in the middle of the composite structure. Distribution of SAP within the composite material permits air to pass through its porous structure effectively hence allowing efficient contact of air with SAP. SAP was able to decrease the relative humidity of air of a 3-L cabinet from 96% relative humidity (RH) to 52% and 49 % (RH) in 18 hours using 2 g and 4 g of SAP respectively. Study on the water vapor absorption ability of SAP placed together with pure water in a closed cabinet was conducted with and without convective air transport effect. Convective air transport was done by activating the 12 V fan allowing air recirculation speed at rates corresponding to constant voltage settings of 6 V and 12 V. Higher SAP water vapor absorption rate was obtained at higher air recirculation speed. SAP particles swelled after water vapor absorption with slight decrease in the porosity of composite material as observed through the digital microscope.