High Relative Humidity Values Research Articles

On the characterization of pore size distribution of building materials

Moisture affects significantly the energy performance of air conditioning systems, the durability of materials, and the health of occupants. One way of reducing those effects, without increasing the energy costs, is by means of using porous material ability of absorbing and releasing moisture from/to the adjacent environment, which attenuates the indoor relative humidity variation. This natural ability is intrinsically related to the porous microstructure. Therefore, the characterization of the pore space is an important research theme in the building physics area. This article aims to present a method for obtaining the pore size distribution based on adsorption isotherms and mercury porosimetry data. First, the theoretical formulation based on the Gibbs free energy for a two-phase (liquid–vapor) system, using the De Boer and Zwikker model, is presented, allowing the calculation of the critical adsorbed thickness for pore filling, critical radius, adsorbed moisture content, capillary condensation content, available surface for adsorption, and the distribution of micropores for a wide range of radius. The adsorption isotherm curve is estimated for high relative humidity values through mercury porosimetry, along with the adsorption curve obtained from the experiment. The pore volume distribution calculated by this method can be used to estimate transport coefficients for liquid and vapor phases.

Study of the interfacial mechanism of ZDDP tribofilm in humid environment and its effect on tribochemical wear; Part I: Experimental

Wear performance of any tribological system can be influenced in a complex way by water contamination. Water can be the cause of steel corrosion which, in turn, can accelerate wear. It can decompose the additives in the oil and create a more corrosive environment which leads to the higher wear in the system. A key novelty of this study is to investigate the effect of relative humidity and the tribochemical changes on the tribological performance and tribofilm characteristics of boundary lubricated systems by means of designing a humidity control system integrated to the Mini Traction Machine (MTM) and Spacer Layer Interferometry Method (SLIM) for the first time. The system is capable of simulating rolling-sliding conditions continuously where lubricant can be contaminated with water. This paper is the first part of a two-part study and the theoretical aspects of the work is the subject of the second part of this investigation. It was observed that humidity hinders the tribofilm formation, especially at higher values of relative humidity and lower temperatures and it can significantly affect the wear process. The correlation between tribofilm thickness, water concentration, temperature and wear of the system was studied. The experimental results suggest that the higher the humidity, the higher the wear of the system and it is more noticeable at lower temperatures where the tribofilm in thinner. The surface chemistry of zinc polyphosphates was investigated as a function of humidity.

Stoichiometric and Non-Stoichiometric Hydrates of Brucine.

The complex interplay of temperature and water activity (aw)/relative humidity (RH) on the solid form stability and transformation pathways of three hydrates (HyA, HyB, and HyC), an isostructural dehydrate (HyAdehy), an anhydrate (AH), and amorphous brucine has been elucidated and the transformation enthalpies quantified. The dihydrate (HyA) shows a nonstoichiometric (de)hydration behavior at RH < 40% at 25 °C, and the removal of the water molecules results in an isomorphic dehydrate structure. The metastable dehydration product converts to AH upon storage at the driest conditions or to HyA if exposed to moisture. HyB is a stoichiometric tetrahydrate. The loss of the water molecules causes HyB to collapse to an amorphous phase. Amorphous brucine transforms to AH at RH < 40% RH and a mixture of hydrated phases at higher RH values. The third hydrate (HyC) is only stable at RH ≥ 55% at 25 °C and contains 3.65–3.85 mol equiv of water. Dehydration of HyC occurs in one step at RH < 55% at 25 °C or upon heating, and AH is obtained. The AH is the thermodynamically most stable phase of brucine at RH < 40% at 25 °C. Depending on the conditions, temperature, and aw, each of the three hydrates becomes the thermodynamically most stable form. This study demonstrates the importance of applying complementary analytical techniques and appropriate approaches for understanding the stability ranges and transition behavior between the solid forms of compounds with multiple hydrates.

Observations and implications of liquid–liquid phase separation at high relative humidities in secondary organic material produced by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;α&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-pinene ozonolysis without inorganic salts

Abstract. Particles consisting of secondary organic material (SOM) are abundant in the atmosphere. To predict the role of these particles in climate, visibility and atmospheric chemistry, information on particle phase state (i.e., single liquid, two liquids and solid) is needed. This paper focuses on the phase state of SOM particles free of inorganic salts produced by the ozonolysis of α-pinene. Phase transitions were investigated in the laboratory using optical microscopy and theoretically using a thermodynamic model at 290 K and for relative humidities ranging from &lt; 0.5 to 100 %. In the laboratory studies, a single phase was observed from 0 to 95 % relative humidity (RH) while two liquid phases were observed above 95 % RH. For increasing RH, the mechanism of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) was spinodal decomposition. The RH range over which two liquid phases were observed did not depend on the direction of RH change. In the modeling studies, the SOM took up very little water and was a single organic-rich phase at low RH values. At high RH, the SOM underwent LLPS to form an organic-rich phase and a water-rich phase, consistent with the laboratory studies. The presence of LLPS at high RH values can have consequences for the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of SOM particles. In the simulated Köhler curves for SOM particles, two local maxima were observed. Depending on the composition of the SOM, the first or second maximum can determine the critical supersaturation for activation. Recently researchers have observed inconsistencies between measured CCN properties of SOM particles and hygroscopic growth measured below water saturation (i.e., hygroscopic parameters measured below water saturation were inconsistent with hygroscopic parameters measured above water saturation). The work presented here illustrates that such inconsistencies are expected for systems with LLPS when the water uptake at subsaturated conditions represents the hygroscopicity of an organic-rich phase while the barrier for CCN activation can be determined by the second maximum in the Köhler curve when the particles are water rich.

ANÁLISIS SINÓPTICO DE UN EVENTO EXTREMO Y PERSISTENTE DE LLUVIA SOBRE EL ESTADO DE RÍO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL, EN MAYO DE 2004

Between 04 to 09 May 2004, part of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil; have recorded rainfall above 300mm. The east region of this state, mainly on the coast, had the highest rainfall accumulation occurred. A synoptic analysis of this period has shown a persistent trough west of RS in high and middle levels of troposphere, in the first three days of this event. This trough started a cyclonic vortice in the mid-low-tropospheric levels in the following days. The upward movement associated with this trough stayed semi-stationary over the state of RS and acted in almost entire tropospheric layer during great part of this period. In addition, it was observed that this tropospheric layer had high values of relative humidity from surface up to 300 hPa, over the state of RS – greater than 70%. In 09 May 2004, the cyclonic vortice has lost their configuration and has distanced from RS. The state of RS was dominated by an anticyclonic circulation and by a drier tropospheric layer, what disfavors rainfall occurrence in this region. During all analyzed period, it could be observed that the configuration in the middle troposphere has extended up to higher levels, but the same does not occurred to the surface. Also, a cyclonic circulation in 850 hPa was observed over the state of RS, but any cyclogenesis has occurred at surface. A surface cyclogenesis was observed over the coast of the state of Sao Paulo (SP), in 05 May. This cyclone has moved to south, approaching the coast of the states of RS e Santa Catarina (SC), in 08 May. A comparison of the atmospheric behavior with the rainfall recorded in the state of RS between 03 and 09 May suggest that this low-pressure center has no direct influence in the cumulative rainfall observed in this period. In addition, in 08 and 09 May, this low-pressure center weakened and move away from the coast of the states of RS and SC. Therefore, although the weak low-level temperature advection and low-level moisture flux convergence observed over this region, a persistent mid-low-tropospheric trough, what favor persistent upward movement, together with a deep and very humid layer, seems to be the main responsible to the great amounts of rainfall registered in the state of RS.

Physical and flow properties of rice protein powders

In this study, the physical and flow properties of a range of rice protein powders, including three rice protein concentrates (RPC 1, RPC 2 and RPC 3), two rice endosperm protein hydrolysates (RPH 1 and RPH 2) and two rice bran protein hydrolysates (RBPH 1 and RBPH 2) were determined and compared with those of selected dairy protein powders, i.e., skim milk powder, whey protein isolate and whey protein hydrolysate. The physical properties analysed included particle size distribution, particle shape and surface characteristics. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated that RBPH samples had lower thermal stability compared to RPC and RPH samples. Analysis of the moisture sorption properties showed a higher hygroscopicity at high relative humidity values of hydrolysed protein powders compared to their intact counterparts. All protein ingredients analysed displayed good flowability (i.e., easy-flowing or free-flowing behaviour), while the bulk density of intact rice protein ingredients was higher than that of their hydrolysed counterparts. The results obtained in this study enable enhanced control of the behaviour of rice protein powders during storage, handling and processing.

Influence of Reconstructed Residential Building on Indoor Climate

The paper is oriented on the influence of reconstructed residential building on indoor climate. After the reconstruction of residential building, which was comprised of replacement of windows, thermal insulation of external wall and regulation of heating, the dwellers were complaining about different problems. Therefore, the questionnaire survey was carried out, which showed significant increase of the number of allergies and respiratory diseases and also the occurrence of molds. The high number of unspecified allergies was among the newly arisen allergies. Furthermore, the high increase of CHOCHP - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory problems were detected mainly by elderly people. The experimental measurements of indoor climate were carried out in order to find the causes of increased sickness rate. The most critical was the air relative humidity from the parameters of indoor climate. Long-term high values of air relative humidity were discovered and there was a search for the link with the number of efficient natural ventilation per day. There was a stereotype of one ventilation per day, what was proved as insufficient. Subsequently, the dwellers were informed about the correct way of ventilation and the desired number of ventilations per day. After five months, the questionnaire survey was carried out again, which showed the decrease of mainly allergic and respiratory problems. Furthermore, it was proved that no one was able to meet the recommended number of ventilations from the long-term perspective. Dwellers found it as unfeasible and annoying. During the whole period, the measurements of air relative humidity were carrying out and the biggest problem appeared to be 7-hour interval when there is no ventilation and thus the air relative humidity is reaching unacceptable values. Therefore, the allergic and respiratory problems were the most significant in the morning. In the paper is the scientific analysis and outputs from experimental measurements in flats. In the conclusion of this paper are suggestions on ventilation systems, which could deal with the researched problem.

Multi-Scale Observations of Atmosphere Environment and Aerosol Properties over North China during APEC Meeting Periods

This paper reveals a study on air pollution process over North China, applying remote sensing technology, using satellite observation and in situ measurements during the twenty-first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, which was held in Beijing between 6 and 12 November when the clear weather was called “APEC-Blue”. In the meantime, pollutants concentrations including PM2.5 and PM10 in Beijing were lower than 100 μg/m3 owing to the effective government measures and policies, as well as meteorological conditions. High aerosol loading (AOD &gt; 1) was observed over south of Beijing and vertical observations showed that the pollutants were prominent near the land surface. Different from the meeting period, high pollutants concentrations with explosive growth (the values of PM2.5 and PM10 peaking at 291 μg/m3 and 360 μg/m3 respectively) appeared over Beijing after the meeting period, accompanied by strong temperature inversion and high Relative Humidity (RH) values. The pollution particles transferred from Beijing area to south part of North China. Otherwise, fine-mode particles with strong absorption characteristic (UVAI &gt; 1.5, AOD &gt; 1) covered the Beijing sky in the meantime, indicating the existence of black carbon aerosols.

Analysis of Indoor Climate and Occupants’ Behaviour in Traditional Scottish Dwellings

Due to the relevance of the internal boundary conditions and the lack of specific data for the Scottish context, an exploration of the internal environment of traditional dwellings is needed. In this study the indoor climate of 24 properties with different levels of insulation and air-tightness was analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 15 minutes intervals in two rooms per property. The analysis was complemented with semi-structured interviews with the occupants. Based on temperature and relative humidity, the moisture loads were calculated. Results in non- insulated properties showed indoor temperatures lower than the minimum level of thermal comfort, especially in winter, and high values of relative humidity during the warm season. The humidity levels in upgraded buildings are consistently lower despite the greater variability found in the internal temperatures.

Organic nitrogen in PM2.5 in Beijing

Nitrogenous species, as important chemical components in PM2.5, include organic nitrogen (ON) and inorganic nitrogen (IN), both of which have potential effects on human health, climate change and visibility degradation. In this study, we analyzed total nitrogen (TN) by CHN Elemental analyzer and inorganic nitrogen by ion chromatography (IC) respectively to obtain ON by calculating the difference between TN and IN. The results show that the mean ON concentrations in winter and summer are both 2.86 μg·m−3, ten times higher than other places reported on average. ON contributes about 20%–30% to TN on average in both seasons, presenting higher contribution in summer. N:C ratios are much higher in summer than winter. ON sources or formation were strengthened by heavy PM2.5 pollution loads, especially sensitive to sulfate. ON concentrations are higher at night in the both seasons, however with distinguished day and night difference patterns influenced by relative humidity (RH) conditions. In winter, ON concentrations increase with RH on average through low RH values to high RH values. The variations are far larger than the ones caused by day and night difference. However in summer, day and night difference dominates the variations of ON concentrations at low RH values, and RH conditions promote ON concentrations increase significantly only at high RH values. Dust related source and anthropogenic emission related secondary source are identified as important sources for ON. At heavy pollution loads, ON sources are more of secondary formation, possibly strengthened by combination influence of RH and acidity increase.

Efeito do uso de sistema de resfriamento adiabático evaporativo sobre a produção de leite no estado do Paraná

The aim of this study was evaluate the use of adiabatic evaporative cooling system (AECS) of air as an alternative to improve the thermal environment, aiming the milk production (MP) of cows with production levels of 15 and 35 kg day-1. The climatological data of air temperature and relative humidity used to estimate Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and MP were collected in the IAPAR (Instituto Agronomico do Parana) meteorological field stations from Parana State. The use of AECS of air provides a significant reduction in the THI values, in all locations and periods of the years, which resulted in improvements in MP. For the East, North and West Regions, from December to February, were observed loss of MP to high producing animals (35 kg day-1) however, after simulation using AECS of air, there was an increase in estimated production milk of 6.3%, 9.5% and 9.4%, respectively. The lower efficiency of using AECS for the East Regions can be related to the high values of relative humidity observed, which reduce the efficiency of air AECS. Thus, the most suitable environment conditions provided by AECS justify its use, since observed each local condition, month and animal category.

Impact of physical parameterization schemes on track and intensity of severe cyclonic storms in Bay of Bengal

The objective of the present study is to investigate in detail the impact of different physical parameterization schemes on track and intensity of two severe cyclonic storms, AILA and JAL, which formed over Bay of Bengal, using a WRF mesoscale model. Three 2-way interactive nested domains with horizontal resolutions of 60, 20 and 6.6 km are used with initial and boundary conditions from NCEP-FNL data. Three sets of experiments include sensitivity to cumulus, microphysics and planetary boundary layer parameterization schemes, respectively. From cumulus parameterization experiments, Betts–Miller–Janjic is found to be better in the group. The strength of mid-latitude trough and presence of southward wind surge for cyclone AILA, the strength of the cross-equatorial flow as well as stronger easterly wind fields in the mid-tropospheric levels for cyclone JAL, and the amount of potential vorticity for both cyclones are some of the factors, which affect the large-scale flow and, hence, the track of both storms. WSM6 Microphysics scheme is able to produce a realistic feature of the cyclones as compared to the other schemes. The realistic representation of mid-tropospheric heating contributed by snow and graupel hydrometeors may be one of the reasons for better intensity simulation by WSM6. The higher values of relative humidity in and above the boundary layer favor the deep vertical mixing in YSU and thus contribute towards the better intensity simulation.

Capillary pore-size distribution and equilibrium moisture content of wood determined by means of pressure plate technique

Abstract This paper deals with the determination of the capillary pore-size distribution (CPSD) and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of untreated and thermally modified (TM) Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] by means of the pressure plate technique (PPT). Desorption experiments were conducted at very high values of relative humidity (RH) in the range between 99.2% and 100%. The thermal modification of spruce results in an alteration of the CPSD, owing to the formation of intercellular cracks in the middle lamella, as a result of cell-wall compression. The desorption curves for both untreated and TM spruce show an extremely upward bend at 99.97% RH. This step reflects an EMC of 38.1% for untreated spruce and 33.8% for TM spruce. None of the samples shrunk during the PPT measurements. Following desorption experiments at 97.4% RH, all samples shrunk. This step reflects an EMC of 27.9% for untreated spruce and 21.7% for TM spruce.

Interplay of liquid-liquid and solid-liquid phase separation mechanisms in porosity and polymorphism evolution within poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers

Porosity and polymorphism evolution within poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers is discussed in relation to interplay of liquid-liquid (L-L) and solid-liquid (S-L) phase separation mechanisms. To this end, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) solutions composed of nonvolatile solvents, dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), are subjected to electrospinning under environmental conditions of constant temperature (T=20 °C) and different levels of relative humidity (RH) ranging from 20 to 80 %. It is demonstrated that bead appearance, fiber diameter, porosity formation and polymorphism evolution is strongly affected by L-L phase inversion. Increasing RH as well as size of L-L miscibility gap in the ternary phase diagram of nonsolvent (water)/solvent (DMF or NMP)/polymer (PVDF) reduces time required to induce L-L demixing as verified by calculated mass transfer pathways. Therefore, bead-free fibers of larger diameters are expected, meanwhile, growth of β-phase crystals is suppressed. This is why fibers electrospun from DMF-based solution contain less β-phase crystals at high values of RH. In contrast, for solutions composed of NMP, jet stretching due to whipping instability plays pivotal role to form fiber structure as a result of delayed L-L demixing with respect to S-L demixing at high RH, 80 %. Furthermore, retarded L-L demixing in NMP-based systems destabilizes fiber formation at low humid environment which can be enhanced by addition a volatile solvent such as acetone. Additionally, more evidence for increment of β-phase formation with increasing working distance (w.d.) at constant RH is provided.

Effect of Presence of Salt on Hygric Performance of Ceramic Bricks

The effect of presence of a salt on parameters of moisture transport and accumulation, namely water vapour sorption and dependence of water vapour permeability on moisture content is studied. The analysis is done for three types of commonly used burnt clay bricks with different hygroscopic ability. The experimental work consisted in determination of mineral composition, pore structure parameters, adsorption curves and water vapour permeability of the salt-free and saline specimens. The presence of salt resulted in a significant increase of the hygroscopic moisture content. In the case of practically non-hygroscopic ceramic bricks, the sorption measurement has confirmed the acceptable agreement with a simplified calculation, based on the assumption of independence of the moisture adsorption by salt and by material. A deviation from the calculation was observed at high relative humidity values, where the sorbed amount of moisture was lower than the calculated one. In case of the hygroscopic brick, an interaction between the hygroscopic moisture of the material and the moisture of the salt was also identified at lower relative humidity values. Salt presence had practically no influence on water vapour transport at higher moisture contents where the cumulated effect of the water vapour diffusion and the surface diffusion was present. On the other hand, at low moisture contents salt crust formation occurring during the dry cup measurements caused a noticeable decrease of the resultant water vapour flow.

Enhancing the water stability of Al-MIL-101-NH2 via postsynthetic modification.

The resistance of metal-organic frameworks towards water is a very critical issue concerning their practical use. Recently, it was shown for microporous MOFs that the water stability could be increased by introducing hydrophobic pendant groups. Here, we demonstrate a remarkable stabilisation of the mesoporous MOF Al-MIL-101-NH2 by postsynthetic modification with phenyl isocyanate. In this process 86 % of the amino groups were converted into phenylurea units. As a consequence, the long-term stability of Al-MIL-101-URPh in liquid water could be extended beyond a week. In water saturated atmospheres Al-MIL-101-URPh decomposed at least 12-times slower than the unfunctionalised analogue. To study the underlying processes both materials were characterised by Ar, N2 and H2 O sorption measurements, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and chemical analysis as well as solid-state NMR and IR spectroscopy. Postsynthetic modification decreased the BET equivalent surface area from 3363 to 1555 m(2) g(-1) for Al-MIL-101-URPh and reduced the mean diameters of the mesopores by 0.6 nm without degrading the structure significantly and reducing thermal stability. In spite of similar water uptake capacities, the relative humidity-dependent uptake of Al-MIL-101-URPh is slowed and occurs at higher relative humidity values. In combination with (1) H-(27) Al D-HMQC NMR spectroscopy experiments this favours a shielding mechanism of the Al clusters by the pendant phenyl groups and rules out pore blocking.

VZTAH MEZI VYBRANÝMI KLIMATICKÝMI PRVKY UVNITŘ A VNĚ STÁJE DOJNIC V PRŮBĚHU ROKU

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relation between some climate parameters inside and outside the stable in the course of the year. Investigations were carried out from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 at the School Farm in Žabčice. We monitored the following micro-climate pa­ra­me­ters: temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and the temperature-humidity index (THI) inside and outside the stable. We used the statistical programme UNISTAT version 5.1.11 to calculate the average monthly temperatures, relative humidity and the THI inside and outside the stable.Measurements carried out throughout the whole year revealed that the average daily outdoor temperature was always lower than the temperature monitored inside the stable. The differences between the outdoor and indoor temperatures were more marked in winter; in summer the differences were considerably lower. The coefficient correlations confirmed this finding; the temperatures were the highest in July and the lowest in autumn and winter. The same results and tendencies were monitored in terms of the average daily THI values. Much like the temperatures also the differences in high average daily values of relative humidity between the outside and inside environment of the stable were lower. Since the relative humidity was higher in winter than in summer the differences between the indoor and outdoor stable values were more marked in summer than in winter. In contrast to the temperature and THI, in one half of the cases the average daily relative humidity was higher outside the stable than inside and vice versa.

Hygrothermal Microclimate of Reconstructed Residential Building

The paper is oriented on the hygrothermal microclimate of residential interiors in reconstructed building. The questionnaire survey has showed significant increase in number of allergies, respiratory diseases and occurrence of fungi after reconstruction. In order to find causes, experimental measurements of hygrothermal microclimate were carried out. The long term high values of relative humidity were found out and the link with number of efficient natural ventilation was searched for. Ventilation once a day was usual, what was proved as insufficient. Dwellers were informed about right way and number of ventilation. Furthermore, measurements proved decrease of air humidity, but not sufficiently. It was proved that nobody was able to achieve recommended number of ventilation and almost all of them considered it annoying and unreal to sustain. The biggest problem was proved night 7 hour interval. Therefore allergic and respiratory problems were significant in the morning. In conclusions of paper is suggestion for solution of researched problem.

Development of Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) as affected by humidity: an age–stage, two-sex, life-table study

The gnat Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang (Diptera: Sciaridae) is an important pest of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel). Although B. odoriphaga outbreaks are thought to depend on soil humidity, the mechanism by which humidity affects the outbreaks is poorly understood. In this study, the life history of B. odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) on Chinese chive was studied with an age–stage, two-sex life table and with relative humidity (RH) at 50, 60, 70, or 80 %. The developmental time of eggs and larvae, total preoviposition duration, and total preadult duration were longer at 50 % RH than at higher RH values. The mean total preadult duration was 34.16 days at 50 % RH and ranged from 27.34 to 31.81 days at 60–80 % RH. The mean fecundity was significantly higher at 70 % RH (as high as 62.88 eggs/female) than at 50, 60, or 80 % RH (from 33.41 to 50.52 eggs/female). The intrinsic capacity of increase (r), net production rate (R 0), and finite rate of increase (λ) increased as RH increased from 50 to 80 %, and mean generation time (T) showed the opposite trend. This study provides insight into the phenology of B. odoriphaga and shows that high RH promotes outbreaks of B. odoriphaga.

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC): pullulan bionanocomposite films

The aim of this work was to develop and characterize microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)/pullulan bionanocomposites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that the affinity between the two polymers resulted in new hydrogen bonding of the nanocomposite materials compared to pristine pullulan. At the same time, an increase in crystallinity was observed proportional to the amount of MFC used, as shown by the X-ray analyses. Accordingly, final films showed improved mechanical properties proportionally to the filler loading, with impressive elastic modulus and tensile strength of ~4.50 GPa and ~60 MPa, respectively, for the sample containing 10 % MFC. However, as demonstrated by the moisture sorption isotherms, the addition of MFC did not help reduce the amount of water adsorbed by the samples. In addition, the oxygen and water vapor permeability data clearly showed that final films still suffered high relative humidity values, whereas their barrier performance toward oxygen was excellent under dry conditions, with O2 permeability coefficients (P′O 2) comparable with those of common high barrier films/coatings. Finally, while the nanocomposites in the form of films had high haze values (from 23 to 40 %), the same nanocomposites in the form of coatings were decidedly more transparent, which suggests that their use as thin layers could be more suitable when the “see-through” capability must be preserved, for example in food packaging applications.