Equilibrium of partially dried porous media influenced by dissolved species and the development of new interfaces

The equilibrium state of partially dried porous media is modeled using continuum thermodynamics as a framework for identifying the equilibrium state. Entropy of the interfaces within the porous material are taken into account in the thermodynamic analysis of the system. Additionally, the effect on the equilibrium condition of increasing concentration of dissolved species in the fluid within the pores caused by moisture loss to the surroundings is examined. Both the presence of dissolved species in the fluid within the pores and the development of new interfaces during the drying process suppress internal vapor pressure, indicating that the equilibrium internal vapor pressure within the porous media will be lower than that of the boundary at equilibrium.