Feasibility Study of Various Organic Fibers as Potential Desiccant Materials

Abstract

Feasibility of using cellulose rich organic fiber materials like, coconut (Cocos nucifera) coir, jute (Corchorus capsularis) fibers and banana (Musaacuminate) pseudostem as desiccant was studied. The selected fibers were first tested for maximum water absorbing capacity with and without acid and alkali pre-treatments. A test set-up with controlled temperature and relative humidity conditions was developed to study the adsorption isotherms of the desiccants. Among the three selected organic fibers, untreated jute fibers had the highest water absorption capacity. The adsorption characteristic of the jute fibers was found to be superior as compared to other two organic fibers. All the three selected organic fibers had the potential to be a good desiccant material in the solid desiccant dehumidification system.