Transformation of Adsorbed Water on Solid Surfaces and its Dielectric Losses and Conductivities

Abstract

The adsorption isotherm of water vapor on nonalkali glass cloth was obtained at 25°C, and its dielectric power factor was measured also in the frequency range of 80 kc/sec∼11 mc/sec. The power factor of glass cloth and surface dc conductivities of nonalkali glass, soda glass, fused silica, Teflon, and polymethylmethacrylate plates increased rapidly to maximum peaks, when they were exposed to water vapor, and then gradually decreased to certain constant values. These phenomena may be interpreted as physical picture of phase changes in the adsorbed water phase from the amorphous state to the crystalline state, as well as the deposit films of evaporated metals on solid surfaces. But the surface conductivity of polycapramide increases as the moisture content increases with time, suggesting a rapid absorption of water molecules into the solid. An analysis of this process of phase change of adsorbed water is outlined.