Determination of effective moisture diffusivity and drying kinetics for poplar sawdust by thermogravimetric analysis under isothermal condition

► The drying characteristics of sawdust are studied in a thermogravimetric analyzer. ► Internal diffusion is the dominant physical mechanism governing moisture transfer. ► TGA method is suitable for investigating diffusivity mechanism and drying kinetics. ► Midilli-Kucuk model is the best for describing the sawdust drying characteristics. ► Isothermal conditions is established immediately and maintained throughout drying.