Moisture dependence of thermal properties of sheanut kernel Original Research Article

The values of specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of shea nut kernel were determined and their variation with moisture content investigated. Specific heat was found to be both moisture and temperature dependent. Its value increased linearly with moisture content and temperature in the moisture and temperature range of 3.32–20.70% (db) and 303–363 K, respectively. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity also increased linearly with moisture content in the above moisture range, within the temperature range of 347.5–349.5 K. Regression equations which could be used to reasonably predict the values of these properties at specified moisture content, were established.