Cereal Chem 40:630 - 637.  |  VIEW ARTICLE

Effect of Artificial Drying on the Hygroscopic Properties of Corn.

J. Tuite, and G. H. Foster. Copyright 1963 by the American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc. 

The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and the equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) of shelled corn artificially dried in a pilot dryer and in the laboratory were determined. Samples dried at air temperatures of 140F. and above adsorbed less water at relative humidities of 70-80% than those dried at lower temperatures. The ability to adsorb moisture progressively decreased with increased drying temperature. The effect seems to be permanent with case hardening not substantially involved. Corn dried with temperatures of 140F. and above supported a higher ERH than corn of the same moisture dried with room air. The increase in ERH with increased drying temperature was inversely proportional to the decrease in EMC. The other variables in the drying treatments - airflow rates, batch and continuous-flow drying methods, and initial corn moisture - did not significantly affect EMC or ERH. Artificially dried corn with its higher interseed relative humidity should be stored at 0.5 to 1% lower moistures than naturally dried corn to prevent mold development. The moisture content and the ERH of a sample of corn can be readily determined and may be useful in indicating previous drying history and in the evaluation of drying methods.