Evaluation of Microwave Heating Uniformity for Ready-to-Eat Rice in Metalized Packaging Structure

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Electromagnetics
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Microwave reheating of ready-to-eat rice (RER) involves energy absorption and conversion.
• Achieving uniform temperature distribution is crucial for RER quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of metalized packaging on temperature uniformity during RER microwave reheating.
• To investigate the thermodynamic effects of aluminum film on microwave energy distribution.

Main Methods:

• A co-simulation model using COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB was developed.
• The study analyzed material properties, electromagnetic distribution, and temperature uniformity.
• Optimal metal aluminum film dimensions and placement on packaging were determined.

Main Results:

• The optimized packaging featured a 5 mm wide, 0.30 mm thick aluminum film sprayed on edges and corners.
• This packaging reduced average RER temperatures by 8.03 °C (upper) and 7.42 °C (lower).
• Temperature distribution uniformity increased by 35.71% and 72.22% in the upper and lower layers, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Metalized packaging significantly enhances temperature uniformity in RER during microwave reheating.
• Optimized aluminum film placement is key to improving microwave reheating efficiency and product quality.