Drying properties of Sentang (Azadirachta excelsa) dried under different temperatures

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the drying properties of Sentang (Azadirachta excelsa) dried at different temperatures. Sentang tree planted in Kelantan, Malaysia, was used in this study. Drying specimens with dimensions of 30 ×150 × 500 mm were dried under air-drying conditions, a constant temperature of 60, 80, 100, and 120 °C until the moisture content (MC) of the specimens reaches an equilibrium moisture content (EMC) at each drying condition. The drying properties of the specimens were then examined. The results confirmed that drying temperature had a significant effect on drying time. As expected, drying Sentang under air-drying conditions demanding considerable time than the other drying conditions.