WASTE OF THE LICURI (Syagrus coronata) NUT SHELLS: AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCE

Resumo

The licuri nut shell is a potential source of biomass for energy production. The aim of this study was the physicochemical characterization of the licuri shell, focusing on the increase of its use as a fuel. The material was collected in Caldeirão Grande-BA and the characterization included a wide range of analyses such as: moisture content, bulk density, particle size distribution, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, high heating value (HHV), hot water and cyclohexane/ethanol extractions, Klason lignin content, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained results  were: moisture content (11,1%), HHV (4652 kcal.kg^-1), Klason lignin content (36,86%), volatile content (74,91%), and fixed carbon (21,19%). The results showed that the material can be considered suitable for the purpose of generating energy when compared with other types of biomasses. The ash content (3,9%) and the extractives content (46,75%) are in accordance with the values observed for the babassu nut shell, Brazilian nut shell, and coconut. Finally, by the TGA analysis, it was observed that the degradation peak occurred at 272°C with a loss of 65% of weight. With these results, the licuri nut shell has shown to be potentially promising for the energy production.