Moisture-dependent physical properties of niger ( Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) seed

Abstract

Moisture-dependent physical properties of niger ( Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) seed were studied at 5.60, 12.99, 19.77, 27.08 and 31.65% moisture content (wet basis). The length, width, thickness and geometric mean diameter increased significantly ( p < 0.05) from 3.86 to 4.06 mm, 0.96 to 1.02 mm, 0.86 to 0.96 mm and 1.47 to 1.59 mm, respectively with increase in moisture content from 5.60 to 31.65% whereas the increase in sphericity from 38.10 to 39.01% was not significant. Similarly, thousand seed mass, porosity and angle of repose increased ( p < 0.05) linearly from 2.50 to 3.69 g, 41.76 to 47.65% and 29.86° to 39.12°, respectively with increase in moisture content under the experimental condition. The bulk density decreased significantly ( p < 0.05) from 635.23 to 561.06 kg m −3 with increase in the moisture content range considered in the study, whereas the true density showed a slight increase from 1090.71 to 1098.42 kg m −3 with increase in moisture content from 5.60 to 27.08% followed by a drop from 1098.42 to 1071.75 kg m −3 as moisture content increased from 27.08 to 31.65%. Coefficient of static friction increased ( p < 0.05) logarithmically from 0.34 to 0.51, 0.38 to 0.56 and 0.13 to 0.53 on mild steel, plywood and glass surfaces, respectively with increase in moisture content from 5.60 to 31.65%.