ROTIMI MOSES DAVIES, DAUKIYE SAMUEL ZIBOKERE
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the physical properties of gbafilo fruit and kernel, namely, axial dimension, geometrical and arithmetic mean diameter, sphericity,
aspect ratio, 1000 unit mass, surface area, true and bulk density, porosity angle of repose and coefficient of static friction. Investigation of physical properties of gbafilo
(Chrysobalanus icaco) is important for the design of appropriate equipment for processing, transporting, cleaning, sorting, packaging and storage processes.
The mean length, width and thickness of gbafi lo fruit (Chrysobalanus icaco) were determined at 8.3% moisture content (d.b.). The analysis of variance showed that
variations in the values obtained for fruit and kernel for axial dimensions were signifi cantly different at 5% probability level. The arithmetic and geometric mean diameter
for gbafilo fruit were 24.95 mm and 24.74 mm.
The sphericity, surface area and as well as 1 000 unit mass of gbafilo kernel were 0.82, 1 056.70 mm2 and 2 804.64 g. True and bulk densities were
989.19 kg/m-3 and 652.53 kg/m-3 for kernel. Angle of static friction of gbafi lo fruit and kernel were 19.34° and 17.61°. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance
(ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range (DMR) using Statistical Analysis System. The static coefficient of friction of plywood structural surface was observed to be the highest
followed by galvanized steel sheet and glass. This is an indication that plywood interior lining would not be suitable material for chute design. All the gbafilo fruit and
kernel parameters investigated were significantly different (P < 0.05). This finding could therefore be useful in the design and fabrication of gbafi lo processing machines.
Key words:
gbafilo; sphericity; surface area; true density; bulk density