A sorption balance-based method to study the initial drying of dispersion droplets

The initial drying of dispersion samples with varying geometries and surface areas was continuously recorded in a sorption balance at different temperatures and relative humidities. The samples were applied as small (5-20 mg) droplets on glass. We were able to show a linear dependence of the evaporation rate on the exposed surface area of the samples if the evaporative cooling was taken into account. The method outlined in the present paper facilitates scaling and comparison of results obtained from drying experiments with different-sized dispersion samples