An absorbent binder desiccant composition is provided which is capable of spontaneous crosslinking after application to a substrate, at a temperature of about 120.degree. C. or less. The absorbent binder desiccant composition includes a monoethylenically unsaturated polymer, such as carboxylic acid, sulphonic acid, or phosphoric acid, or salts thereof, or a quaternary ammonium salt, and an acrylate or methacrylate ester that contains an alkoxysilane functionality, or a monomer capable of co-polymerization with a compound containing a trialkoxy silane functional group and subsequent reaction with water to form a silanol group, and a desiccant component. The absorbent binder desiccant composition is particularly suitable for use in manufacturing a wide variety of humidity control articles.