Effect of Drying Temperature on Mechanical Properties of Dried Corn

The effect of drying air temperature on the mechanical properties of corn kernels was investigated. Corn was dried at drying temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70°C and air flow rate of 1.8 kg/min in a convective dryer. The kernels were then loaded uniaxially in a material testing machine at a loading rate of 3 mm/min, up to the rupture point. An increase in drying temperature from 40 to 70°C increased kernel deformation at the rupture point by an average of 12%. Moreover, values of force, stress, toughness, and modulus of elasticity of corn decreased on average by 21, 26, 36, and 38%, respectively.