Rheological effects of moisture content on the anatomical fractions of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

• Published in: Powder technology 2022-11, Vol.412, p.118031, Article 118031
• Main Authors: Navar, Ricardo, Leal, Juan H., Davis, Benjamin L., Semelsberger, Troy A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomical fraction; Compressibility; Energy sciences; Loblolly pine; MATERIALS SCIENCE; Moisture; Powder rheology; Shear stress
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2022.118031

This study focused on assessing the influence of moisture content on the rheological properties of different anatomical fractions of pine residue using the FT4 powder rheometer. Moisture content exhibited some influence on the 2 mm bark and needle fractions, increasing their cohesion, angle of internal friction, unconfined yield strength, and major principal stress. Stem and whole, on the other hand, presented minimal changes upon moisture introduction. All 4 mm fractions did not show many changes in their rheological properties with moisture introduction, which can be due to less particle-particle interactions and consequently reducing any liquid bridging the particles might undergo; however, they were shown to have a more unpredictable behavior compared to the 2 mm analogues (i.e., higher standard deviation) which can be due to a higher degree of particle-interlocking. Out of the three fractions, needle presented the poorest rheological properties for flowability in addition to being susceptible by moisture, unlike other fractions. [Display omitted] •The rheological properties of pine residue fractions under moisture were tested.•2 mm bark and needle showed rheological changes with increasing moisture content.•Stem fraction was the least affected by moisture, possessing the best flowability.•Moisture content exhibited negligible rheological effect on bigger fractions (4 mm).•Needle fraction presented the worst flowability out of the anatomical fractions.