Search

Variability in Eucalyptus wood density and chemical properties is crucial to understanding important factors for the forest-based industry, such as sampling methods and wood suitability as raw material. This study aimed to evaluate the basic density and chemical composition of the radial positions of young wood from the Eucalyptus urophylla clone grown under different precipitation levels. Trees from E. urophylla clonal plantations were collected in Inhambupe, Jandaíra and Itanagra, Bahia State, Brazil. Trees' basic density and chemical composition (total extractive, lignin, hemicelluloses and α-cellulose) were determined based on the basal log of each tree, at four radial positions (1, 2, 3 and 4). It was found that the basic density and α-cellulose of wood are influenced by the cambial age and the site rainfall. There was greater increase in sections close to the bark (positions 1 and 4) and in more humid environments (sites Itanagra and Jandaríra). This finding highlights the association between wood basic density and chemical composition, mainly in the holocellulose content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy use of forest biomass favors the lower consumption of fossil fuels. Thus, his study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical and energetic characteristics of wood and charcoal of the Prosopis juliflora species. For this, logs in three different diametric classes were collected, and their density, moisture, chemical composition and energy quality were evaluated. In evaluating the characteristics of the material, a completely randomized experimental design was used, using the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). The basic density ranged from 0.60 to 0.74 g cm³. The initial moisture content was greater than 30%. Diametric classes 1 and 3 showed the highest values of ash in wood, 0.9% and 1.05%, respectively. As for charcoal yield, the values ranged from 34.31% to 38.19%. In general, Prosopis juliflora wood showed energetic potential for use in the red ceramic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]