Abstract
The fractal-geometry approach was used to calculate the
thermodynamic properties of moisture sorption by wood
from the adsorption isotherms in this study. The results
were compared with those from an isosteric approach
and a calorimetric approach. The adsorption isotherms
of Southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) were measured at
4, 15, 30, and 40°C to provide source data for the calculation
of both fractal-geometry and isosteric approaches.
The results show that the fractal dimensions of the
internal surfaces of wood vary between 2.4 and 2.5. The
curves of the differential heat of adsorption −∆H against
moisture content from the fractal-geometry approach are
similar to those from calorimetric measurements in previous
research. The −∆H values from the isosteric
approach increased with moisture content within a moisture
content range up to 3%. And, at moisture contents
higher than 3%, the −∆H values from this method are
much higher than those from the fractal-geometry
approach and calorimetric approach. As a result, the
fractal-geometry approach is applicable to calculate the
differential thermodynamic properties of moisture sorption
by wood in future research.
Moisture sorption properties and glass transition temperature of a non-conventional exudate gum (Prosopis alba) from northeast Argentine
