Effect of moisture content on the physical properties of fibered flaxseed

The physical properties of fibered flaxseed were investigated within moisture content varying from 6.21 to 16.29%. The length, width, thickness and geometric mean diameter increased from 4.20 to 4.44mm, 1.99 to 2.13mm, 0.91 to 0.95mm, and 1.95 to 2.06mm, respectively in the moisture content range. One thousand seed weight increased linearly from 4.22 to 4.62g. The bulk density decreased from 726.783 to 611.872kg/m3, while the true density increased from 1165.265 to 1289.341kg/m3 in the moisture content range. The porosity values of flaxseed increased linearly from 37.67 to 52.54%. The highest static coefficient of friction was found on the plywood surface, while the lowest on the stainless steel surface. The static coefficient of friction increased from 0.467 to 0.972, 0.442 to 0.864, 0.492 to 0.927, and 0.490 to 0.845 for plywood, stainless steel, aluminum sheet and galvanized iron, respectively. The angle of repose increased linearly from 25.7° to 33.8° in the moisture content range. The results are necessary for design of equipment to handling, transportation, processing, and the storage of flaxseed.<br />