Valuation of seven Cerrado woods in charcoal production

Considering the importance of charcoal in promoting sustainable steelmaking as an agent for environmental decarbonization, the aim of this research was to examine the energy quality of charcoal produced from the wood of seven Cerrado forest species. The material used in this study came from trees located in various municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, within the area of occurrence of the Cerrado Sensu Stricto biome. The disks were collected at breast height (1.3 m above the ground) and then subdivided into four wedges, passing through the pith. Two of these wedges were allocated for determining physical and anatomical properties, while the other two were designated for carbonization. The anatomical and physical elements of the wood were described, and a multivariate analysis of charcoal quality was conducted. Among the seven species investigated, the best results were obtained for Bowdichia virgilioides, a specimen with a higher basic wood density and longer fibers, important characteristics for its high performance in charcoal production and quality. The medium-density Persea willdenovii wood produced low-density charcoal, while Qualea grandiflora and Tabebuia aurea were not recommended for use in the metallurgical industries, as they did not meet satisfactory fixed carbon standards. This study aims to provide a significant role in charcoal production by diversifying the sources of wood currently used.