Physico-chemical Characterization and Identification of Wood Species in Benin with High Bio-thermal Conversion for Carbonization

Physico-chemical characteristics of ten tropical wood species in Benin were determined to identify the species with high bio-thermal conversion for carbonization (charcoal production). The wood species were obtained from Dassa-Zoume, Dan, and Djidja localities in Central region, where charcoal production is a major economic activity. The physico-chemical properties determined were elemental composition, fixed carbon content, volatile matter content, ash content, and calorific value. The species selection criteria was quantified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistical method implemented by R-software package. The three wood species identified as most suitable for bio-thermal conversion were Burkea africana (Wild Syringa), Prosopis africana (Mesquite Iron Tree) and Bridelia ferruginea (Bridelia Yellow Cassia), which exhibited high calorific values, high fixed carbon levels and relatively low proportions of ash and volatile matter.