Evaluation of Bursera cuneata Schltdl. wood residues for use as densified biofuels

Abstract

This research focused on the characterization of Bursera cuneata Schltdl wood residues obtained from the artisanal carving process in an indigenous community in Michoacán, Mexico where the species is endemic. Samples of wood residues were collected from artisanal workshops. The study determined various physical and chemical properties of the residue, as well as its energy potential. The results obtained showed a variability in moisture content from 4.77 % to 7.13 %; through the granulometry it was found that it is possible to use 36.91 % of the waste for pellets and 55.55 % of the material for briquettes. The density ranged from 176.16 to 197.37 kg/m³, while its ash content ranged from 6.75 % to 7.48 %. The volatile matter was determined to be between 80.14 % to 82.95 %, the fixed carbon was obtained from 9.24 % to 12.94 % and the high heating halue was 19.15 MJ/kg. On the other hand, the elemental analysis showed average values of 43.35 % C, 6.11 % H, 49.88 % O, and 0.64 % N. In the basic chemical analysis, the following components were identified: cellulose 45.58 %, hemicellulose 13.8 %, lignin 10.98 % and extracTables 22.41 %. In addition, the ash microanalysis revealed the presence of 20 chemical elements, the most abundant being Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na and P. The results obtained suggest that B. cuneata wood residues have significant potential as an energy source, due to their energy content and the acceptable combustion characteristics derived from the reported values. This research provides a solid basis for the use of these residues in energy applications, contributing to the sustainable use of residual wood resources in the community studied.

Keywords

• Biomass
• Bioenergy
• Solid biofuels
• Sustainability