Proximate and Elemental Analysis of the Biomass of Six Different Wood Types for Sustainable Energy and Resource Management: Makore, Plywood, MDF, Particleboard, Coconut Wood, and OSB

The characterisation of material composition is essential for evaluating the suitability of wood and biomass products in various industrial and energy applications. This study conducts a comprehensive proximate and elemental analysis of the biomass from six distinct wood types: Makore (Tighemella hecklii), Plywood, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), Particleboard, Coconut Wood, and Oriented Strand Board (OSB). By evaluating parameters such as moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, and key elemental compositions (including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen), the research aims to compare their suitability and performance as alternative energy resources. The findings will contribute valuable insights toward sustainable energy strategies and improved material selection for energy applications, supporting broader goals of environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. Based on ASTM E872 and E1755-01 the proximate and elemental analyses were done. Each sample was evaluated for volatile matter (% loss on ignition), ash content, organic carbon (O.C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S). Results indicate significant variation in ash content, with MDF exhibiting the highest values (up to 7.18%) and Makore, Particleboard, and Coconut wood displaying the lowest (as low as 0.43%). Organic carbon content ranged from 29.13% in Coconut wood to 40.30% in Plywood. Hydrogen content was relatively consistent across all samples, while nitrogen and sulfur levels were higher in MDF and Plywood compared to the other materials. These findings highlight the compositional diversity among the samples, with implications for their suitability in energy production, material processing, and environmental applications.