Proximate Analysis and Strength Properties of Carbonized Woods from the Most-Used Tropical Timbers from the Afram Plains, Ghana’s Charcoal Production Hub

ABSTRACT

Charcoal is a brittle, black carbon residue produced from the carbonization of cellulosic materials for energy. Its properties vary per the timber carbonized. It is often used regardless the intended purpose and the timber carbonized. However, for objective utilization, the proximate and strength properties of carbonized woods from six widely-used timbers in the Afram Plains, Ghana, were investigated. Moisture content for the carbonized woods met the recommended Standards. Hence, would be hardly alterable under normal atmospheric conditions. Their bulk densities ranged from 497.39 ± 3.13 kgm⁻³ (Azadirachta indica) to 680.50 ± 8.58 kgm⁻³ (V. paradoxa). E. ivorense charcoal produced the least volatile matter (VM) (18.66 ± 0.73%), ash (1.94 ± 0.04%), much great Calorific value (28208.45 ± 743.72 kJkg⁻¹), the greatest Fixed Carbon Content (73.13 ± 0.69%), Impact Resistance Index (325 ± 23.07), and compressive strength (29.39 ± 1.82 Nmm⁻²). It would generate much heat and fracture less and could be suitable for use in the Metallurgical Industry. The great VM from all the carbonized woods (18.66 ± 0.73% to 51.91 ± 0.49%) also makes them best suited for outdoor use (e.g., barbecue-making). As they possess varied properties, their intended uses should be guided by their properties for improved performance.

KEYWORDS:

• Calorific value
• charcoal
• compressive strength
• fixed carbon content
• impact resistance index
• volatile matter

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank Rev. Jonathan Obour Wiredu (The Manager, Forest Services Division (FSD) of the Forestry Commission (FC), Donkorkrom, Ghana) for the provision of the timber species and other materials that enhanced their carbonization. We acknowledge Miss Agyare Ohenewa (Chemical Laboratory, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana) and Mr. Seidu Haruna (FORIG-CSIR, Fumesua, Kumasi) for the assessment of the physical properties and the proximate analysis the carbonized woods as well as the determination of their mechanical properties respectively.