Studies on engineering properties of red seaweed (Kappaphycus spp.)

Issue Date

2009

Abstract

Tensile strength, density, porosity, specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of red seaweed (Kappaphycus spp.) were determined within a moisture range of 46.8% to 975.3% dry basis (31.9% to 90.7% wet basis).

Tensile strength was based on the ratio of breaking load and linear density; density was measured using the relationship between mass and volume of the seaweed; specific heat was determined by using a calorimeter with toluene as a heat transfer medium; thermal conductivity was obtained using a modified Fitch set-up; and thermal diffusivity was computed from the experimentally determined values of thermal conductivity, specific heat and density.

Tensile strength of seaweeds increased from 2.61 to 37.3 x 10-4 N/tex with decreasing moisture content. Bulk density was found to vary between 88.5 to 383.9 kg/m3. Specific heat and thermal conductivity values obtained increased from 1.38 to 3.99 kJ/kg-C and 0.221 to 0.304 W/m-C, respectively with increasing moisture. Thermal diffusivity ranged from 1.98 to 18.1 x 10-7 m2/s.

Regression equations showing the relationships of moisture content with the engineering properties of red seaweed were presented. Results of the study can be used in the design of process equipment such as dryers and moisture meters.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

ISSN

0119-7312

Volume

7

Issue

2009

Page

59-69

Document Type

Article

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Physical Description

graphs; tables

Language

English

Subject

Marine algae;

En – AGROVOC descriptors

DENSITY; TECHNICAL PROPERTIES; POROSITY; THERMAL PROPERTIES; AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING; RHODOPHYCEAE; PLANT PHYSIOLOGY; STRENGTH

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