INFLUENCE OF HYDROPHOBIC FLUID (PALM OIL) VARIETIES ON HYGROSCOPIC POTENTIALS OF FOUR VARIETIES OF CASSAVA GARRI AT VARYING STORAGE TEMPERATURES

Abstract

This study examined the effects of palm oil varieties (Dura and Pisfera) and their quantities (15 ml, 30 ml, and 45 ml) 
on the hygroscopic properties of four garri varieties (Poundable, Gamechanger, TMS 1632, and TME 419) at 
temperatures of 35°C, 45°C, and 55°C. Moisture absorption was assessed by placing 5 g samples of each garri in water 
baths set at the specified temperatures. The weight of each sample was measured at 30-minute intervals until three 
consecutive measurements indicated equilibrium. Results revealed that palm oil significantly (p<0.05) reduced 
moisture absorption across all samples, with Dura oil generally providing a more effective moisture barrier than 
Pisfera. At 45 ml, Dura oil caused a slight increase (11.63%) in moisture uptake, suggesting saturation, while Pisfera 
stabilized, indicating different chemical interactions. TME 419 exhibited the lowest (1.8%) moisture absorption, 
demonstrating superior resistance, whereas TMS 1632 absorbed the most moisture. Elevated temperatures increased 
moisture uptake, especially in control samples without oil. Kinetic parameters (absorption rate constant, K1 and 
absorption capacity, K2) varied with temperature and variety, reflecting changes in diffusion rates. The K1 for Pisfera 
oil decreased from 19.67358 at 35°C to 7.388 at 55°C, while Dura oil decreased from 17.41483 to 10.866 over the 
same temperature range; conversely, K2 for Pisfera increased from 0.058013 to 0.096799, whereas Dura’s capacity 
decreased from 0.112241 to 0.058681 with rising temperature. Activation energy analyses showed Dura oil created a 
more resistant barrier, with values of 1.21 J/mol (TMS 1632), -0.5595 J/mol (TME 419), -0.4489 J/mol (Poundable), 
and 1.45 J/mol (Gamechanger). The findings suggest that palm oil improves garri’s moisture resistance, with Dura oil 
being more effective, especially at lower quantities, informing optimal storage practices in humid environments.