In this study, silica gel (SG), calcium chloride (CaCl2) and composite desiccant (SG-CaCl2) applied to a corrugated paper (CP) based desiccant rotary wheel are compared for their abilities to remove moisture from wet air. The experimental data shows that the CP-SG-CaCl2 material could attain equilibrium within a very short period, and its hygroscopic capacity is much higher than that of CP-SG. Also, it exhibits a remarkable increase in moisture removal compared with the silica gel wheel. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.