Evaluation of Bursera cuneata Schltdl. wood residues for use as densified biofuels

• The study of B. cuneata wood residues can contribute to the community's energy demand by generating thermal energy in the form of densified solid biofuels. These residues can be a valuable source of energy, with 36.91 % of their total production being used for pellets and 55.55 % for briquettes, in addition to having a relatively high density of 176.16 and 197.37 kg/m 3 . • Proximate analyses have shown optimal characteristics for the production of solid biofuels, with a low moisture content of 4.77 % to 7.13 %, this low content favors combustion efficiency, the ash content between 6.75 % and 7.48 % makes it ideal for local use devices, such as energy-saving stoves. In addition, the volatile matter content of 80.14 % to 82.95 % and the fixed carbon content of 9.24 % to 12.94 %, ensure efficient and long-lasting combustion. • The elemental analysis showed a high percentage of C 43.35 %, H 6.11 %, and O 49.88 %, indicating high energy potential and good ignition capability. The low N content 0.64 % is beneficial to avoid atmospheric pollutants. Polymeric compounds, such as cellulose 45.58 %, hemicellulose 13.8 %, and lignin 10.98 %, contribute to the calorific value and efficiency of the biofuel. • FTIR and TGA characterization confirms the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin as the main polymeric components of the analyzed material. The bands identified by FTIR corroborate the chemical structure of these compounds, while thermogravimetric analysis reveals the characteristic thermal behavior of lignocellulosics, with the decomposition of hemicellulose and cellulose in a temperature range of 190 to 800 °C. Lignin, due to its complex structure and phenolic hydroxyl groups, decomposes at a slower rate, contributing to a higher calorific value and improving the energy value of the material, making it useful for combustion applications. • Ash microanalysis revealed the presence of elements such as Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na and P, which are important for emissions reduction and combustion efficiency. Taken together, these results confirm the feasibility of using B. cuneata wood residues for the production of efficient and sustainable solid biofuels, which can significantly contribute to local energy demand. This research focused on the characterization of Bursera cuneata Schltdl wood residues obtained from the artisanal carving process in an indigenous community in Michoacán, Mexico where the species is endemic. Samples of wood residues were collected from artisanal workshops. The study determined various physical and chemical properties of the residue, as well as its energy potential. The results obtained showed a variability in moisture content from 4.77 % to 7.13 %; through the granulometry it was found that it is possible to use 36.91 % of the waste for pellets and 55.55 % of the material for briquettes. The density ranged from 176.16 to 197.37 kg/m³, while its ash content ranged from 6.75 % to 7.48 %. The volatile matter was determined to be between 80.14 % to 82.95 %, the fixed carbon was obtained from 9.24 % to 12.94 % and the high heating halue was 19.15 MJ/kg. On the other hand, the elemental analysis showed average values of 43.35 % C, 6.11 % H, 49.88 % O, and 0.64 % N. In the basic chemical analysis, the following components were identified: cellulose 45.58 %, hemicellulose 13.8 %, lignin 10.98 % and extracTables 22.41 %. In addition, the ash microanalysis revealed the presence of 20 chemical elements, the most abundant being Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na and P. The results obtained suggest that B. cuneata wood residues have significant potential as an energy source, due to their energy content and the acceptable combustion characteristics derived from the reported values. This research provides a solid basis for the use of these residues in energy applications, contributing to the sustainable use of residual wood resources in the community studied.