Influence of Chemical Composition of Eucalyptus Wood on Gravimetric Yield and Charcoal Properties

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the chemical properties of wood from six clones of Eucalyptus spp. relative to charcoal yield and its properties, determine the correlations between the evaluated parameters and identify a clone of Eucalyptus having the greatest potential for charcoal to steelmaking use. The study of chemical properties included analysis of elemental composition, contents of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and ash, the syringyl/guaiacyl ratio (S/G), and the index of crystalline cellulose in the wood. The pyrolysis of wood was done in an electric laboratory oven. The gravimetric yield in charcoal, the content of volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash, higher heating value, and elementary composition were determined. Data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and after the difference between them was established, the Tukey test was applied. The Pearson correlation was employed as well. The results indicated that the contents of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in the wood significantly affected the charcoal yields and its higher heating value. Higher rates of crystalline cellulose favored the gravimetric yield in charcoal. The S/G ratio contributed more to the charcoal yield when compared to total lignin content.