THERMAL DECOMPOSITION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHARCOAL FROM THREE SPECIES OF THE CERRADO BIOME FOR PRODUCTION FOR ENERGY PURPOSES AND FOR ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Abstract

Charcoal is used mostly in the production of pig iron and steel, and also in the production of activated charcoal. The exploitation of wood for energy purposes has fostered the reduction of native vegetation and also had consequences for fauna, flora and soil. Charcoal is produced from planted forests, highlighting Brazil as the only country to use a renewable source in the steel sector. Thus, the objective was to analyze the quality of charcoal produced from the species of the Cerrado biome (Tachigali vulgaris, Myracrodruon urundeuva and Amburana cearensis) for energy purposes and for the production of activated charcoal, aiming to contribute to sustainable practices in the use of renewable sources. For the analysis of the physical properties of the coal, the density, porosity and moisture content were determined, for the chemical properties the chemical composition (percentage of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur), calorific value, volatile and ash content, hydrogen potential (pH) and fixed carbon content and, as for the biological aspects, decomposition, microorganisms and ecological impact. Among the charcoals of the species analyzed, the species Myracrodruon urundeuva stands out, which showed the highest values of plant yield and energy density, followed by the species Amburana cearensis and, finally, the species Tachigali vulgaris. The stimulus to the use of charcoal reflects economic, environmental and social benefits for the country, and the environmental aspect is relevant, reducing the consumption of non-renewable sources and greenhouse gas emissions.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.032-014