Thin layer drying characteristics of Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf leaves were studied for the temperature range of 30-60 ºC, using semi-theoretical and empirical models. The Midilli model was found to be the best model for describing the drying curves. The effective diffusivity values ranged from 4 x 10- 12 to 3.9 x 10- 11 m- 2 s- 1 in the studied temperature range. Calculated values of the effective diffusivity showed Arrhenius-type temperature dependence. The activation energy value found was 63.47 kJ mol- 1.
Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf; thin layer drying; mathematical modeling; effective diffusivity
