Basic properties of Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis as a heating fuel

Abstract

We examined the potential bioenergy of two Acacia wood species, Acacia mangium (Am) and Acacia auriculiformis (Aa). The objectives of this study were to assess the basic properties (anatomical, physical, and chemical-related properties) and to compare bioenergy potentials among these two Acacia species from Indonesia. Six 3-year-old trees were randomly selected from plantation forest on South Kalimantan. Statistically, no significant difference was found in calorific value between the two species of Acacia or position in the stem. The calorific values ranged from 16.6-17.5 kJ/g in the Am species and from 16.8-17.4 kJ/g in the Aa species. Based on these properties, both of these species have the same potency as a heating fuel resource. The top (T) position which usually has a smaller diameter and lower economic value may be used as a heating fuel source with its potency of the calorific value which is equal to the other parts of the stem. The calorific value in both Acacia wood was influenced by vessel frequency, moisture, extractives, Klason lignin, and volatile matter contents.