Quality of Wood and Charcoal fromEucalyptusClones for Ironmaster Use

Bárbara Luísa Corradi Pereira,Aylson Costa Oliveira,Ana Márcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho,Angélica De Cássia Oliveira Carneiro,Larissa Carvalho Santos,Benedito Rocha Vital

doi:10.1155/2012/523025

Bárbara Luísa Corradi Pereira, Aylson Costa Oliveira + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/523025

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Abstract

Considering the wide variety of species and clones ofEucalyptuscultivated in Brazil, it is necessary to search for new information on wood properties, so that the selection of genetically superior material may be successful. The present study aimed to determine the properties of wood and charcoal from different clones ofEucalyptusspp. Six clones at the age of 7.5 years were evaluated and the samples were from a clonal, located in the city of Lassance, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Basic density, chemical composition, and higher heating value were determined. Carbonizations in a laboratory kiln were done and the levels of volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon, higher heating value, and bulk density of the charcoal produced were determined. Evaluated genetic materials showed differences in their properties. According to research results, several properties of wood should be considered together for the selection of clones for charcoal production. However, basic density and chemical composition of wood, especially high contents of lignin and low contents of extractives, are the properties that had more influence on charcoal yield and its quality. Concerning charcoal production for steelmaking, clone 6 stood out and, conversely, clone 4 showed inferior properties to those of others.

Highlights

Area occupied by forest plantations in Brazil reached over 6,500,000 ha, of which 74.8% are Eucalyptus plantations, in 2011 [1]
Brazilian consumption of logs from plantations of Eucalyptus for charcoal production was close to 17,000,000 cubic meters, representing 10.0% of total consumption of logs [1]
These data confirm the importance of Eucalyptus in Brazil, which has been the focus of several studies due to concerns about wood quality and homogeneity

Summary

Introduction

Area occupied by forest plantations in Brazil reached over 6,500,000 ha, of which 74.8% are Eucalyptus plantations, in 2011 [1]. Brazilian consumption of logs from plantations of Eucalyptus for charcoal production was close to 17,000,000 cubic meters, representing 10.0% of total consumption of logs [1]. These data confirm the importance of Eucalyptus in Brazil, which has been the focus of several studies due to concerns about wood quality and homogeneity. Charcoal quality and its production depend, among other factors, on the quality of wood used, which is defined by a set of chemical, physical, mechanical, and anatomical properties, usually interdependent. Forestry companies and Brazilian research centers have been motivated to seek solutions to produce homogeneous charcoal, with high yield, high quality, and low cost. The technological characteristics of wood should be considered and the economic and forestry aspects, because charcoal yield, quality, and performance are directly influenced by wood properties

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