Abstract

Physical properties of fennel seeds were determined at five levels of moisture content. All dimensions of seed increased with increasing moisture content from 7.57 to 52.88% (dry base). At the same moisture range, sphericity, surface area and true density increased from 41.60 to 44.10%, 8.39 to 9.47 mm², and 818.29 to 894.63 kg m^-3, respectively. In this moisture range, bulk density decreased from 376.27 to 314.667 kg m^-3 whereas the angle of repose and porosity increased from 36.33 to 48.66 and 54 to 64.8%, respectively. The static coefficient of friction of seeds increased linearly against surfaces of three structural materials, namely, glass, plywood, and galvanized iron.

Key words: Sphericity, surface area, angle of repose, static coefficient of friction, bulk and true densities.