Shrinkage properties of porous materials during drying: a review

Abstract

The shrinkage characteristic of porous materials is an important consideration in the drying process, as it can significantly impact the texture of the dried product and energy utilization. This phenomenon is influenced by numerous factors, including the structure of the cells, drying conditions, and the glass transition temperature. To gain a deeper understanding of the drying process, it is necessary to develop theoretical models that account for the simultaneous heat and mass transfer processes at the cellular level, as well as simulation tools to analyze the associated changes in drying morphology. In this paper, we highlight several key factors affecting shrinkage during the drying of porous materials, and also outline drying modeling, morphological simulation, and drying technology design considerations to provide guidance for improving the drying quality of porous materials as well as energy conversion efficiency.