Thermal properties of maize seed components

Abstract

Maize (Zea Mays L.) is one of the cereals most consumed worldwide, not only because of food uses but also because of its industrial uses. Physical processes are used when transforming maize industrially, particularly thermal processes are employed. Because of this, it is necessary to enhance the industrial procedures that constitute the grain processing chain. The additional information that allows advances in procedures and techniques in commodities like cereals gives an advantage to the food industry. The processes that involve temperature are benefiting of thermal properties knowledge. Therefore, maize thermal properties of each component are studied. Three standard varieties of maize seeds (GSV2, SLP, and P6) were thermally characterized. Photopyroelectric and open photoacoustic cell techniques were employed for characterization. The maize analyzed components were pericarp, endosperm (floury and vitreous), and germ. The outer maize layer’s pericarp presents the lowest thermal conductivity for GSV2 and P6 samples, whereas the P6 sample components have similar thermal conductivity values. The obtained results show a thermal impedance between some of the maize components. The presented information can be used to improve the maize thermal process transformation.

Keywords:

• maize grains
• photothermal techniques
• thermal effusivity
• thermal diffusivity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gemima Lara Hernández

The sensors and thermal applications network is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on thermal phenomena, materials, and applications. This research group is looking for a growing thermal properties database and new methods to obtain the thermal properties of the most different samples. The training of the members of this group addresses various areas of knowledge, such as physics, mechatronics, electronics, and bionics. The diversity of the academic backgrounds of this group provides a broader vision of the various problems. Common interests include the study of biofuels, vegetable oils, and smart materials and the development of various sensors.

Claudia Hernández Aguilar

The sensors and thermal applications network is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on thermal phenomena, materials, and applications. This research group is looking for a growing thermal properties database and new methods to obtain the thermal properties of the most different samples. The training of the members of this group addresses various areas of knowledge, such as physics, mechatronics, electronics, and bionics. The diversity of the academic backgrounds of this group provides a broader vision of the various problems. Common interests include the study of biofuels, vegetable oils, and smart materials and the development of various sensors.

Arturo Domínguez Pacheco

The sensors and thermal applications network is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on thermal phenomena, materials, and applications. This research group is looking for a growing thermal properties database and new methods to obtain the thermal properties of the most different samples. The training of the members of this group addresses various areas of knowledge, such as physics, mechatronics, electronics, and bionics. The diversity of the academic backgrounds of this group provides a broader vision of the various problems. Common interests include the study of biofuels, vegetable oils, and smart materials and the development of various sensors.

Albino Martínez Sibaja

The sensors and thermal applications network is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on thermal phenomena, materials, and applications. This research group is looking for a growing thermal properties database and new methods to obtain the thermal properties of the most different samples. The training of the members of this group addresses various areas of knowledge, such as physics, mechatronics, electronics, and bionics. The diversity of the academic backgrounds of this group provides a broader vision of the various problems. Common interests include the study of biofuels, vegetable oils, and smart materials and the development of various sensors.

Alfredo Cruz Orea A.

The sensors and thermal applications network is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on thermal phenomena, materials, and applications. This research group is looking for a growing thermal properties database and new methods to obtain the thermal properties of the most different samples. The training of the members of this group addresses various areas of knowledge, such as physics, mechatronics, electronics, and bionics. The diversity of the academic backgrounds of this group provides a broader vision of the various problems. Common interests include the study of biofuels, vegetable oils, and smart materials and the development of various sensors.

Jose de Jesus Agustin Flores Cuautle

The sensors and thermal applications network is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on thermal phenomena, materials, and applications. This research group is looking for a growing thermal properties database and new methods to obtain the thermal properties of the most different samples. The training of the members of this group addresses various areas of knowledge, such as physics, mechatronics, electronics, and bionics. The diversity of the academic backgrounds of this group provides a broader vision of the various problems. Common interests include the study of biofuels, vegetable oils, and smart materials and the development of various sensors.