The Stress-Relaxation Behavior of Rice as a Function of Time, Moisture and Temperature

Abstract

Abstract: Stress-relaxation behavior of single rice kernel was studied using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) in compression mode. The relaxation modulus was measured in a moisture content range of 12–30 % on dry basis (d.b.) and a temperature range of 25–80°C. A constant stain value of 1 % (within the linear viscoelastic range) was selected during the stress-relaxation tests. The relaxation modulus was found to decrease as the temperature and moisture increased. A master curve of relaxation modulus as a function of temperature and moisture content was generated using the time–moisture–temperature superposition principle. Results showed that the generalized Maxwell model satisfactorily fitted the experimental data of the stress-relaxation behavior and the master curve of relaxation modulus (R2> 0.997). By shifting the temperature curves horizontally, the activation energy of the stress relaxation was obtained which significantly decreased with increase in the moisture content.