[dsm_breadcrumbs show_home_icon=”off” items_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” admin_label=”Supreme Breadcrumbs” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” items_text_color=”gcid-cd1279dd-8cbf-4f0f-bdb9-fb095ab96652″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-cd1279dd-8cbf-4f0f-bdb9-fb095ab96652%22:%91%22items_text_color%22%93}”][/dsm_breadcrumbs]

Moisture Hysteresis

Understanding moisture hysteresis is crucial for assessing the impact of moisture on materials and structures. It refers to the different moisture content of a material at the same relative humidity during the absorption and desorption processes.

Causes of Moisture Hysteresis

  • Capillary forces: The interaction of water molecules with the surface tension at the liquid-air interface creates capillary forces that influence water retention in pores.
  • Surface chemistry: The chemical properties of the material’s surface affect its interaction with water molecules.
  • Pore structure: The shape, size, and tortuosity of pores impact moisture retention and release.

Implications of Moisture Hysteresis

Moisture hysteresis has significant implications for:

  • Water damage: Moisture hysteresis can contribute to water damage in buildings and infrastructure by affecting moisture accumulation and drying rates.
  • Material durability: The varying moisture content during absorption and desorption can affect the mechanical properties and durability of materials.
  • Building energy efficiency: Moisture hysteresis influences the energy performance of buildings by affecting heat transfer and condensation.

Assessment of Moisture Hysteresis

Moisture hysteresis is often measured using the moisture sorption isotherm, which provides information about the moisture content of a material at different relative humidities during absorption and desorption.

Best Measure of Moisture

The best measure of moisture depends on the specific application and material. Common moisture measurement techniques include:

  • Relative humidity sensors
  • Moisture content sensors
  • Infrared thermography