Model Development and Experimental Application on Rewetting Characteristics of Cured Tobacco Leaves

Abstract

Accurately predicting the moisture rewetting process of cured tobacco leaves is crucial for maintaining tobacco quality, storage stability, and preventing damage. In this study, a rewetting model for cured tobacco leaves was developed based on the two-component heterogeneity of leaf blades and main veins. The established model was compared with the model based on one-component homogeneity. The impact of different temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions on the rewetting process of cured tobacco leaves was investigated, and predictions are made for the rewetting process on sunny and rainy days. In the results, the simulated value by the two-component heterogeneity model exhibited a highly consistent with the corresponding experimental data, with a maximum deviation of less than 9.74%. The rewetting rate increased with increasing temperature and RH, but the increased temperature also reduced the final moisture content. Compared to 20 °C and 80% RH, the rewetting time at 40 °C and 80% RH was reduced by 80.95%. The rewetting time at 20 °C and 90% RH was reduced by 81.25% compared to that at 20 °C and 70% RH. The rewetting rate of cured tobacco leaves was higher at night compared to daytime. In addition, the rewetting was faster on rainy days than sunny days. On rainy days (11.4–21.8 °C, 76.5%–95.4% RH), it took 13 h for cured tobacco leaves to reach the target moisture content (16% dry basis, d.b.) during rewetting, while on sunny days (20.3–29.5 °C, 46.1%–66.5% RH), it took more than 24 h. The findings of this study provided a helpful information for accurately predicting the moisture rewetting process of cured tobacco leaves.