Process of adsorption-desorption for a series of chemically similar solvents trough ethylene vinyl acetate polymer. Modelling and experiment

The process of absorption and desorption of some alcohols through polymers materials are studied here in order to evaluate the capacity for absorption for these liquids, and to determine the effect of vinyl acetate incorporated in the polymer. The polymer exhibits low capacity and high diffusivity depending on two parameters: size of sorbed penetrant, and vinyl acetate percent. A mathematical model, based on a numerical method with finite differences, is built in order to describe the process. The model can lead to the kinetic of transfer of alcohols, in good agreement with experiments for either absorption or desorption of alcohols. The profiles of concentration as well as the kinetics are evaluated. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.