Variation of microwave dielectric properties of hydrocolloids with moisture content, temperature and stoichiometric charge

Abstract Models were derived for the prediction of dielectric constants (∈′ r ) and loss factors (∈″ r ) for hydrocolloids in the powdered state from knowledge of the moisture content, stoichiometric charge-to-mass ratio and temperature. All three variables were significant in the two models with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) of 0.91 and 0.92, respectively. Both ∈′ r and ∈″ r were positively correlated to moisture and temperature. However, moisture was the most important determinant. In contrast, the dielectric properties decreased with increasing charge on the hydrocolloid. This finding is consistent with an effect of charge on the availability of water in a water limiting system.