Novel desiccants based on designed polymeric blends

We describe a novel concept for the preparation of desiccants based on polymeric blends. A hydrophilic channeling agent (e.g., PEG) is blended with a hydrophobic polymer (e.g., polypropylene) to produce interconnecting hydrophilic channels within the hydrophobic polymer. To make the system desiccating, a water‐absorbing material is blended into the polymeric matrix to become distributed within the hydrophilic portion. The resultant blend may be molded and cast into plug‐type inserts and liners for closed containers, or formed into films, sheets, beads, or pellets; its uses include pharmaceutical and industrial applications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 317–327, 2001