Influence of moisture content on physical properties of maize

A b s t r a c t. The physical properties of maize kernels have been evaluated as a function of moisture content (12.8-29.0% w.b.). The maize kernel length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity and kernel volume increased linearly with increase in moisture content. The bulk density and true density decreased while porosity and thousand grains mass increased with increasing moisture content. The static coefficient of friction increased for mild steel sheet, galvanized iron sheet and aluminium sheet surfaces while rupture or cutting force and energy absorbed decreased with increasing moisture content. K e y w o r d s: maize, physical properties, moisture content, angle of repose