THERMAL ANALYSIS OF SWITCHGRASS (PANICUM VIRGATUM L.) GROWN ON RECLAIMED LANDS

Abstract

Fast growing tree crops respond the agronomic, ecological and social parameters associated with successful use as an energy source. The chemical composition of wood determines its bioenergetic quality. However, growth conditions can also significantly affect the thermal behavior of raw materials. In this regard, the features of thermal destruction of willow, poplar, oleaster, ailanthus and paulownia grown on different variations of phytomeliorated substrates left after the extraction of manganese ore were studied. Thermolysis of the studied species occurred within the temperature range of 30-60°C–490-590°C. In oleaster wood, all four stages of degradation are clearly expressed, while in other species, the ranges of decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose partially overlap. The specificity of technozems, on which the studied plants grew, affects the thermal characteristics of wood. Changes are manifested in the rate of reactions, the content of volatile components and the change in the ash content of wood. Volatile components are most sensitive to environmental conditions. They, in turn, affect the rate of reactions and the heat resistance of wood. Among the studied species, the most pronounced differences were noted for the wood of oleaster wood and poplar.