Thermo-physical
properties of these materials had been determined
through measurements or taken from available literature. The bulk density of the materials was determined
by calculation using the weight and volume of the samples, using a calibrated cylinder and electronic balance
Mettler (Germany). The specific heat capacity was determined using a differential scanning calorimeter DSC
Perkin–Elmer DSC7 (USA). The specific heat capacity
of rice was taken from available literature, Riedel
(1977) and Polley, Snyder, and Kotnour (1980).