Values for bulk density, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat of corn grains were obtained in this work as a function of product moisture content. The infinite cylinder method with a central heat source was used in the thermal conductivity and diffusivity determinations. The equipment used consisted of an aluminum tube (0.1m of diameter and 0.5m of height) isolated in the superior and inferior extremities. A resistor (nickel-chrome; strength of 4.16 W.m-1; diameter of 0.0006438m) was used as a heat source that was located at the center of the cylinder (longitudinal direction). During each determination, the resistor was submitted to a difference of potential of 2.08V that provided an electric current of 1A. The moisture content of the tested samples varied from 8.6 to 17.1% w.b. The behavior of the values of thermal conductivity, diffusivity and specific heat as a function of the product moisture content can be represented by linear relationships. The thermal conductivity and specific heat of the grains increase with the product moisture content, while the thermal diffusivity decreases. Errors involved in the thermal properties determinations are also discussed in this work.
Thermal conductivity; specific heat; corn grains
