Novel composite materials that bind desiccant particles of silica gel provide a new way to make water sorption mediums for use in HVAC dehumidifiers. The composites use polymeric materials to bind 9-micron silica gel particles with minimal effect on their moisture sorptive properties. A parallel-plate sorption matrix of one composite exceeded "state-of-the-art" microbead silica gel material dynamic dehumidification capacity by 47%. The increased capacity was demonstrated while causing 40% less pressure drop than "state-of-the art" material.

KEYWORDS: desiccants, adsorption dehumidifiers, dehumidifiers, silica, building services, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, pressure drop, moisture.