
Sticky point temperature (Ts) measurement for hygroscopic food and biomaterial powders is traditionally performed with complex glass instruments. This property is used to characterize material stickiness, which substantially affects the flow and physical behavior of powders. In this research study we developed a new methodology to measure sticky point temperature using a rheometer, and validated our Ts data with previously published coffee powder data. Our Ts measurement using a rheometer was performed in two replications. The behavior of Ts as a function of moisture content (%, db) was observed to be non-linear. After 16% (db) moisture content, however, there were no changes in Ts with increases in moisture content. An exponential prediction model for Ts as a function of moisture content was achieved with an R 2 value greater than 0.93; a power law regression model also fitted well, with an R 2 value of 0.97.
- Caking,
- coffee,
- rheometer,
- sticky point temperature
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kurt_rosentrater/95/