Evaluates the water vapour sorption properties and isotherm shape of 30 laboratory-synthesised alkali salts of anionic polymers and/or copolymers. These have potential as next-generation, low-cost candidate advanced-desiccant materials (ADMs) for use in desiccant cooling systems (DCSs) that process water vapour to produce cooling. Background information is presented about previous papers on polymers as ADMs, computer parametric studies of an ideal desiccant for DCSs, and the criteria used for assessing improved sorption performance. Sorption isotherms, kinetics, and cyclic stability were measured using a Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Particular emphasis was focused on obtaining the sorption properties of alkali salts of the anionic polymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-l-propane sulphonic acid (AMPSA), five copolymers with the sodium salt of polyAMPSA, i.e., polyAMPSASS, and comparing these with the alkali salts (anionic polymers) of polystyrene sulphonic acid (PSSA), i.e., lithium salt (PSSALS), sodium salt (PSSASS), potassium salt (PSSAKS), and cesium salt (PSSACS). Two commercially available and two laboratory-synthesised cationic polymers were also evaluated, and their sorption properties are compared with those of the anionic polymers and copolymers. Sorption capacities are reported from the isotherms and discussed.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, desiccants, cooling, calculating, properties, water vapour, salts, sorption properties, performance, measuring, comparing, relative humidity, polymers.