THE HYSTERESIS LOOP IN ADSORPTION ISOTHERMS ON POROUS VYCOR GLASS AND ASSOCIATED DIMENSIONAL CHANGES OF THE ADSORBENT. II

Abstract

The causes of hysteresis in the adsorption isotherms on porous Vycor glass are discussed, employing as ancillary evidence the dimensional changes of the adsorbent. Diagrams of domain complexions for pores of the ink-bottle type are given and used to develop certain of Everett's theorems. Evidence showing the interdependence of domains or voids is given. The compressibility of the porous adsorbent is evaluated and shown to differ with different adsorbates, which suggests distributions of adsorbed matter specific to the adsorbate. A thermodynamic development is given, which indicates that the most stable states of the system are represented along the adsorption isotherm. Finally, certain anomalous findings in the region of low adsorption and within the hysteresis loop are reported and discussed.