Knowledge of the relationship between the air relative humidity and moisture content of
the test material is essential to the drying and storage process research. The aim of this
work was the determination of the sorption isotherms of Maytenus ilicifolia leaves and
the comparison of the experimental results with mathematical models of the literature.
The equilibrium moisture content for Maytenus ilicifolia leaves were measured using
the static method, at relative humidities and temperatures ranging from 10-90% and
from 30-60ºC, respectively. The experimental data were compared with six models
available in the literature (Chung-Phost, Halsey, Henderson, Oswin, Henderson-
Thompson and GAB). The adsorption data was best fitted by the Chung-Phost equation
while the desorption data was best fitted by Henderson-Thompson equation. Thus, these
models can be used for the estimation of the equilibrium moisture content of Maytenus
ilicifolia leaves.
INTRODUCTION