PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES OF NEEM NUT

The physical properties of neem nut were determined in the moisture ra nge of 7.6% to 21% w.b. These include physical dimensions, crushing st rength, 1000 nut mass, relative mass of kernel and shell, angle of rep ose, porosity, bulk density, particle density and coefficient of stati c friction. The length and stem-end diameter of the nut ranged from 12 .87 to 16.20 mm and 6.86 to 8.52mm respectively. The crushing strength of the nut measured both along the longitudinal axis and a diametral axis decreased with increase in moisture content. The mass of 1000 nut s, per cent content of the mass of the kernel in the nut and angle of respose of neem nut increased with increase in moisture content. The p orosity, bulk density and particle density decreased Linearly as the m oisture content increased. The coefficient of static friction on vario us surfaces increased with increase in moisture content. The plywood s urface offered the maximum friction followed by mild steel, galvanized iron and glass. (C) 1996 Silsoe Research Institute.