Moisture-dependent physical properties of arecanut kernels

The physical properties of arecanut kernels were determined in the moisture range from 88.91 to 10.51% d.b. The kernel shape can be treated as ovate. As the moisture content decreased from 88.91 to 10.51% d.b., the dimensions of the major, medium and minor axes decreased by 10.45, 10.49 and 22.84%, respectively. The mean values of roundness and sphericity of the kernel decreased by 5.69 and 8.13%, respectively, as the moisture content decreased from 88.91 to 10.51% d.b. One hundred kernel weights of arecanut were 1.159 and 0.594 kg at moisture contents of 88.91 and 10.51% d.b., respectively. The bulk and true densities increased linearly whereas the porosity and angle of repose decreased linearly as the moisture content decreased from 88.91 to 10.51% d.b. The static and kinetic coefficients of friction were maximum on mild steel surface and the values on mild steel, galvanized iron, aluminium, stainless steel and hard board decreased curvilinearly from 88.91 to 30.24% d.b. and afterwards the values increased. (C) 2002 Silsoe Research Institute. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.