Moisture sorption kinetics for water-soluble substances. II: Experimental verification of heat transport control.

The rates of water sorption as a function of relative humidity for water-soluble substances exhibiting deliquescence have been measured in an atmosphere of pure water vapor. The substances studied included a series of alkali halides, choline halides, and sugars. The results were compared with a theoretical model, previously described, which relates the rate of water uptake to the transport of heat produced during the process away from the surface. Taking into account the heat of water vapor condensation, heat of solution, and heat of hydration, when hydration occurs, the model allows excellent a priori prediction of water uptake rates as a function of relative humidity.