De La Salle University researchers develop moisture-absorbing zinc-cellulose composite

Researchers at De La Salle University in the Philippines have developed a sustainable zinc-cellulose composite designed to absorb atmospheric moisture. The material utilizes sugarcane bagasse, an agricultural byproduct, as a biomass source for cellulose extraction.

Through alkali treatment and bleaching, cellulose was extracted from the bagasse and dissolved in a zinc chloride solution. The resulting composite demonstrated continuous moisture absorption over a seven-day period under ambient conditions of approximately 77% relative humidity and 25°C. This development aims to mitigate issues caused by high humidity, such as mold growth, mildew, and material deterioration.