Hygroscopic Behavior and Thermodynamic Properties of Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. Kernel Flour

Abstract

The hygroscopic and thermal behavior of kernel flour from Ziziphus joazeiro fruits were investigated. Adsorption isotherms were obtained at temperatures of 293, 303 and 313 K and adjusted to GAB, Oswin and Peleg models. The best fit of the experimental data was obtained with the GAB model with R² values> 0.994 and mean percentage deviation P <10%. The isotherms obtained were sigmoidal type II. Isosteric heat and other thermodynamic properties were calculated as a function of moisture content. Adsorption isosteric heat decreased exponentially with increasing moisture content and differential entropy increased with moisture content, while differential enthalpy decreased. The theory of compensation confirmed that these properties are dependent on moisture content. The isotherms presented a spontaneous and enthalpy process.