# Effects of Humidification on Bran Layer Mechanics and Microstructure of Brown Rice: Mechanism and Optimization

## TL;DR

This study explores how humidification affects the structure and strength of brown rice bran, optimizing conditions to improve milling efficiency and rice yield.

## Contribution

The study provides mechanistic insights and optimized parameters for humidification in brown rice milling to enhance yield and energy efficiency.

## Key findings

- Humidification disrupts the bran layer's fibrous matrix, reducing tensile strength and wear resistance.
- Moderate humidification (16% moisture) improves head rice yield by weakening bran integrity.
- Optimal parameters are 16% moisture, 30 s humidification time, and 36 min equilibration time.

## Abstract

Humidification conditioning has been increasingly applied in brown rice milling to improve processing performance. However, the underlying mechanisms by which humidification alters the mechanical behavior and microstructure of the bran layer remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the effects of humidification on the mechanical properties and surface microstructure of the brown rice bran layer were investigated, and the optimal conditioning parameters were further determined based on milling performance. Brown rice samples were conditioned to different moisture levels, and the corresponding changes in bran layer tensile strength, surface roughness, and microstructural features were analyzed using tensile testing, three-dimensional surface profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that humidification significantly disrupts the continuity of the fibrous matrix in the bran layer, leading to reduced tensile strength and wear resistance. Moderate humidification (around 16% moisture content) promotes the formation of micro-pores and weakens structural integrity, facilitating bran removal during milling and improving head rice yield (HRY), whereas excessive humidification results in over-softening and increased kernel breakage. On this basis, a quadratic orthogonal rotatable composite design was employed to optimize the combined effects of moisture content, humidification time, and equilibration time on HRY and specific energy consumption. The optimal conditioning parameters were identified as 16% moisture content, 30 s humidification time, and 36 min equilibration time. This study provides the mechanistic insights into the humidification-induced structural and mechanical evolution of the brown rice bran layer, through experimental optimization of humidification operating parameters, offering practical guidance for improving milling quality and energy efficiency.