Composite silicone-SAPO-34 foams: Experimental characterization for open cycle applications

In this work, novel composite silicone-SAPO-34 foams have been prepared and experimentally characterized for application in desiccant open cycles. Water adsorption isotherms of several samples have been measured by a gravimetric dynamic vapour sorption analyser at 30°C and 70°C up to the relative humidity RH= 75%, representing typical process and regeneration air conditions in desiccant evaporative cooling cycles. Adsorbent foams manufactured with 20%, 40% and 60% weight fraction of SAPO-34 have been compared with the pure SAPO-34 powder. Results highlighted that the prepared foams adsorb a significant amount of water, according to the initial mass fraction of zeolite used in the compound. Moreover, the tested foams exhibited sufficiently fast water sorption rate for practical application in a desiccant open cycle system.