Physical Properties of Raw Cashew Nut

Physical properties of raw cashew nut were evaluated as a function of moisture content. The average dimension of three principal axes (viz., length, width, thickness), mass ratio, equivalent diameter and sphericity were measured at a moisture content of 8-46% d.b. The 100 nut mass, porosity, bulk density, true density and coefficient of friction were determined for moisture contents ranging from 3-15 to 20-05% d.b. It was found that the 100 nut mass and true density of raw cashew nuts increased with increased moisture content. The porosity and bulk density decreased linearly as the moisture content increased. The coefficient of friction on various surfaces increased with increase in moisture content. Cardboard as a surface for sliding offered the maximum friction followed by galvanized iron, aluminium and glass.