PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SIMAROUBA NUTLETS AND KERNEL

Abstract

The aim of physical properties determination is required for the development of post harvest/processing equipment. The study was conducted to explore the physical properties of Simarouba glauca L. nutlet and kernel, namely, dimensions, 100 unit mass, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, true density, bulk density, porosity, angle of repose, static co-efficient of friction and compression strength of load. The nutlet had 4% (w.b.) moisture content. The average nutlet length, width, thickness and 100 unit mass were 20.1, 12.7 and 10.1 mm; and 97 g, while the corresponding value for kernel were 14.50, 8.10, 6.80 mm; and 38 g, respectively. The sphericity and geometric mean diameter of nutlet were 0.66 and 13.35 mm more, respectively, than those of kernel. Bulk densities of nutlet and kernels were 492.20 and 486.00 kg/m3, the corresponding true densities were 833.30 and 873.30 kg/m3, and the corresponding porosities were 40.93 and 44.34%, respectively. The angle of repose of nutlet and kernel were 26.9 and 25.08º, respectively. The co-efficient of static friction of nutlet of plywood, galvanized iron sheet, and glass were 23, 10 and 18 μs, respectively, than those of kernel. The compression strength load of nutlet was 30.27 KN more, respectively, than those of kernel.