Characterization of biomass, charcoal and briquette of Phyllostachys aurea Carr. ex A. & C. Rivière

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy and physical-mechanical characteristics of biomass, charcoal and briquettes of Phyllostachys aurea, to determine its potential for energy purposes. Mature culms were selected and collected in a 5-year old experimental area to (i) characterize the biomass (basic and energy densities, proximate analysis and high heating value), (ii) production and characterize the briquette (bulk and energy densities, mechanical resistances and durability) and (iii) charcoal (apparent relative and energy densities, proximate analysis, high heating value and gravimetric yield). The biomass, charcoal and briquettes from P. aurea exhibited energy and physical-mechanical characteristics that indicate their potential for energy applications. The carbonization of the biomass of reduced the density and volatile material contents and increased fixed carbon, ash contents, calorific value and energy density.