Experimental study and modelling of adsorption and desorption isotherms of prickly pear peel (Opuntia ficus indica)

Moisture equilibrium data for adsorption and desorption of water from prickly pear peel (Opuntia ficus indica) were investigated at temperatures in the range of 30-50 degreesC and water activity ranging from 0.05 to 0.9. The experimental procedure used was based on the gravimetric static method. The experimental curves of sorption are then described by GAB, Henderson's and BET models. The BET and Henderson models were found to be the most suitable for describing the sorption curves. The monolayer moisture content values for the sorption at different temperature are calculated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.