Application of Pore Size Analyzers in Study of Chinese Angelica Slices Drying

The objective of this article is to study the influence of pore size and distribution in plant tissue on drying behavior of plant materials using Chinese Angelica slices as an example. By using an automatic mercury injection apparatus and automatic surface area–porosity analyzer, the study compares the pore size distribution inside the matrix of a sample dried by 200 W microwave and 60°C hot air. The study also characterizes the matrix microstructure by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and discusses the drying dynamics of the sample, as well as the rehydration property of the dried sample. This work may be helpful for further investigation of the optimization of drying technology focused on micromechanisms and the quality of dried products.