CHEMICAL AND ENERGETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla CLONES SUBJECT TO WIND DAMAGE

ABSTRACT Wind damages are common in forest plantations and the use of this wood can minimize losses. The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and the energetic potential of wood and charcoal from trees subject to wind damage. Eight (A to H) two-years-old Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla clones were selected in a region where wind damage is frequent. The basic density, calorific value, chemical composition of wood and calorific value, immediate chemistry and gravimetric yield of charcoal were determined for all clones. Materials with high lignin content and low S/G ratio had higher gravimetric yield. The energy density of wood and charcoal showed high relationship with the basic and apparent relative density, respectively. All materials showed potential for bioenergy, but the clone E stood out with higher gravimetric yield and energy density.