Effect of chemical components on the energy properties of wood from two forest species

• The use of wood for bioenergy purposes requires the evaluation of its chemical components. • In rural communities, the use of firewood plays an important role as a source of energy for cooking and heating. • Fourier transform infrared analysis allowed us to distinguish aromatic lignin units in hardwoods such as guaiacyl and syringyl, both species, at 1319 cm⁻¹. Lignocellulosic biomass is a renewable source with the potential to serve as a raw material for producing chemicals and bio-based materials. Its structural characteristics position it as a viable and sustainable energy option compared to fossil fuels. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and higher calorific value of Arbutus xalapensis Kunth and Alnus acuminata Kunth, to characterize their wood chemistry, and assess their potential as feedstock for densified biofuels. The correlation between chemical composition and wood higher calorific value was analyzed, and an infrared spectroscopy analysis of the biomass was performed. The results obtained ranged as follows: 7.93 % and 20.71 % total extractives, 28.59 % and 19.39 % lignin, 62.76 % and 58.88 % holocellulose, 53.48 % and 51.16 % alpha cellulose, 9.28 % and 7.72 % hemicelluloses, 0.63% and 0.54% ash, 20.24 MJ/kg and 20.07 MJ/kg higher calorific value, for A. acuminata and A. xalapensis , respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed for all components analyzed between the two species. Calorific value showed positive correlations with total extractives, lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses, whereas a negative correlation was observed with ash content. Infrared analysis with Fourier transforms identified signals in the range of 1590 to 1319 cm -1 corresponding to condensation of the guaiacyl and syringyl units and CH 2 bending-stretching in the syringyl unit monomers, which is characteristic of hardwoods. According to the obtained contents of total extractives, lignin, and holocellulose, in addition to the calorific value, the wood of these species has the potential to be used for energy generation.