Thermogravimetric characteristics, its relation with extractives and chemical properties and combustion characteristics of ten fast-growth species in Costa Rica

Abstract

Residues from fast-growth plantations in the tropics have recently become important for energy production. However there is not yet enough information on their combustion and thermal degradation characteristics. The present study aims to determine the behavior of the different parameters of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for 10 species of reforestation. The relationship between TGA parameters with chemical and extractives was established too. Also it is identified the different parts of the combustion process at different moisture contents for these species. The results indicate that Bombacopsis quinata, Vochysia guatemalensis and Gmelina arborea are species with the highest thermal stability and they presents combustion stages poorly defined, making them less suitable for a combustion process. By contrast, Tectona grandis, Sweitenia macrophylla and Cupressus lusitanica have a lower thermal stability, but a combustion process with well-defined stages, which makes them more suitable species in combustion processes. Acacia mangium, Terminalia amazonia, Alnus acuminata and Terminalia oblonga showed combustion parameters easily identifiable and moderate thermal stability, considering as acceptable combustion properties. Extractives and chemical compositions presented little influence on the process of combustion and thermal stability of wood. However, moisture content was the greatest influence on the process of combustion and thermal stability.