Energetic potential of bamboo culms for industrial and domestic use in Southern Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the energetic quality of the Bambusa vulgaris culms for combustion (in natura) and as a charcoal. Five individuals (culms) of Bambusa vulgaris of 3 years of age were analyzed, gathered in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. In the in natura culms it was determined the moisture content freshly gathered (39%); basic density (0.624gcm-3); the chemical composition (total extractive content (16.26%) and lignin content (25.76%)); the proximate chemical composition (volatiles content (82.25%); fixed carbon content (15.26%) and ash (2.49%)) and gross calorific value (4571kcalkg-1). In the charcoal, produced in the laboratory, the determined properties were the gravimetric yield (36.40%);the apparent density (0.372gcm-3); volatiles content (27.55%); fixed carbon content (67.32%); ash (5.12%) and gross calorific value (7431kcalkg-1). The Bambusa vulgaris species has potential for use in the energy generation either in natura, as chips for burning in boilers or in the charcoal form for domestic use, it can be used to broaden the base of biomass for energy generation and to replace the timber species of Pinus and Eucalyptus gender used for this purpose in the Southern region of Brazil.