Indian Journal of Horticulture

This study was envisaged to investigate the effect of particle size on the rheological characteristics ofmango cv. Bangalora peel powder under ambient conditions using a rotational rheometer. The consequencesof sample concentration, i.e., powder: water (1: 4, 1: 5, 1: 6) was also evaluated. Sieve analysis using screens(420, 355, 250, 125 microns) was done to achieve the desired variation in particle size. Shear stress-shear ratedata was adequately fitted to Herschel-Bulkey, Power law and Casson law and the rheological properties wererepresented graphically by rheograms for 0 to 100 s⁻¹ shear rate. Relative parameters and regression analysisagainst each model determined the flow characteristics of the samples. Selected three models showed wellrepresentation of the rheological data, with high regression coefficients. Model parameters (consistencycoefficient, flow behaviour index and R²) validated the deviation in rheological characteristics with particle sizeand sample concentration. Shear stress (τ) increases steeply with sample concentration for equivalent particlesize, however, for the same sample concentration, negative correlation of particle size with shear stress wasreported. The identification of suitable particle size and sample concentration might be useful in understandingof rheological properties of the peel powder of selected cultivar.