Investigating waste generated from logging in the Amazon for energy use

Wood residues can go to waste due to a lack of knowledge of their properties. In order to contribute to the use of materials, the objective was to individually assess the physical and chemical characteristics of Amazonian wood waste. Due to the lack of information about most Amazonian tree species, Eucalyptus grandis was defined as a control treatment. The following tests carried out were: granule size, moisture, wood basic density, residuals bulk density, pH, total extractives, lignin, holocellulose, volatile matter, ash, fixed carbon, high and lower heating values and liquid energy density. The evaluated species presented different characteristics for the physical, chemical, and energetic tests of wood residues. In general, the Amazonian species showed superior characteristics in comparison to Eucalyptus grandis for energy production. Qualea paraenses, Cedrela sp., Dinizia excelsa, Ocotea cinerea and Buchenavia grandis need to be further investigated for energy purpose due to the low pH. Based on the data obtained, it would be recommended to adopt pre-treatments as a way to increase the energy performance of biomass.