Evaporation and loss of water is endothermic and removes reaction
heat. '
Effective thermal conductivity can be enhanced due to mass transfer
of water vapour from hot to colder zones; where water vapour diffusiori ceases under equilibrium relative humidity conditions, thermal
conductivity can significantly decrease. '
llygroscopic effects are unlikely to be significant. '
Water availability permits liquid-phase oxidations and acid hydrolysis
to occur. _
Enhanced oxidation of cellulose can occur i.n the presence ofwater.