Microstructure and water sorption mechanism of coconut pith

The water sorption isotherm of coconut pith is studied in order to get an insight into the nature of the sorption process. The surface area available for adsorption, heat of adsorption and approximate size of possible capillaries are computed from the isotherm. A considerable hysteresis effect is observed. The cell structure of coconut pith is studied using an optical microscope. On the basis of the computations and microscopic observations, the similarity of the sorption process with that of woody materials is established.