Experimental determination of thermophysical properties of unripe banana slices (Musa cavendishii) during convective drying

Thermophysical properties and hygroscopic behavior of unripe banana (Musa cavendishii) were studied. The sorption isotherms were measured at 25 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C and the observed sigmoid curves were modeled with GAB equation which satisfactorily fitted the experimental data. The mean value of monolayer moisture content (Xm) estimated was (5.5 ± 0.6) g/100 g d.b. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C and the apparent density, specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity - were directly measured as a function of moisture content and porosity. Empirical models obtained by nonlinear regression were successfully fitted to the thermophysical properties, important data to model and simulate the drying process.