Propriedades energéticas da madeira e casca de Dalbergia cearensis Ducke

Abstract

Wood is the oldest fuel used as an energy source. However, with the growing demand it has become necessary to adopt sources that promoted fewer impacts to the environment. The present work aimed to determine the physical, chemical and energetic properties of Dalbergia cearensis wood. The study was carried out in an area of native vegetation in Cristino Castro-PI, selecting three individuals of the species, from which wood discs were removed at heights of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the commercial height. The basic density was determined according to NBR 11941. The higher calorific value was determined according to NBR 8633 and the content of volatile, ash and fixed carbon materials were determined according to NBR 8112. The density obtained for the species was 0.73 g/cm³, the calorific value was 4,327 kcal kg -1 for wood and 4,419 kcal kg -1 for bark. The content of volatile materials, ash and fixed carbon for wood were 87.9%, 0.3% and 11.9%, respectively, and 85.1%, 1.6% and 13.3% for bark. Therefore, the species has potential for energy, but due to the excellent quality of the wood, the final destination should aim more noble uses, such as sawmill.