Abstract
The study aimed at the theoretical analysis of vapor sorption properties of, pp.rmaking fibers. Water vapor affinity and sorption thermodynamic properties of fiber constituents were evaluated based on Henry's law and Hildebrand's solubility theory. Theoretical equilibrium moisture content(ThEMC) on fiber surface was estimated using functional group contribution. Crystallinity of cellulose in fiber significantly controlled the water vapor solubility. Comparisons of the measured equilibrium moisture content data and the estimated ThEMC data coincidently suggested the fact that crystallinity of cellulose in fibers was around 60% to 70%. Carbohydrates constituents including amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose in fibers showed higher vapor solubility than lignin molecules. High correlation existed between ThEMC and vapor solubility as well as between ThEMC and solubility parameter. In the thermodynamic analysis on water-vapor sorption process in fibers, the sorption enthalpy increased as RH increased, whereas sorption entropy and free energy decreased with increasing RH.