Biomass Constituents and Physicochemical Properties of Some Tropical Softwoods

Ezeonu, Chukwuma S. and Ejikeme, Chigozie and Ezeonu, Ngozi Cynthia and Eboatu, A.N (2017) Biomass Constituents and Physicochemical Properties of Some Tropical Softwoods. AASCIT Journal of Materials, 3 (2). pp. 5-13. ISSN 2472-9752

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Abstract

Softwoods are readily available in the tropics as found in Nigeria and most African forests; where they are used basically for timber purposes. Their biomass and physical constituents are great qualities needed to assess their values. These parameters (biomass and physicochemical constituents) were determined in some selected softwoods. The results shows that Combretodendron macrocarpum showed alkaline properties (8.12) while Glyphea brevis has a neutral pH (7.18). The rest of the softwoods were shown to test acidic with pH range of 4.53 – 6.95. The highest moisture content obtained gave value of 38% as found in Protea ellilottii closely followed by Tetrapleura tetraptera with moisture content of 37%. Highest recorded specific gravity values of 0.54 and 0.44 were obtained in Sacoglottis gabonensis and Cassipourea barteri respectively. Porosity index recorded for Amphimas pterocarpoides (2.44%) and Afzelia bella (2.24%) gave optimal values. Allanblackia floribunda with range of 95 – 121°C exhibited the highest charring temperature. Optimal lignin content (33%) was shown in Moringa oleifera. High hemicelluloses values of 33.5% and 32% were observed in Dichrostacys cinerea and Kaempteria galangal. Cassipourea barteri (50%) recorded the maximum cellulose content. Optimal crude fibre value of 5.7% was obtained in Cambretodendron macrocarpum followed by 5.55% value in Barteria nigritian. Afzelia bella with value of 1.72mg/g showed the highest content of carbohydrate in this research while Afzelia bella and Pentaclethra macrophylla with values of 7.85% and 7.77% respectively recorded the highest protein content.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Depositing User:	miss ifeoma agbo
Date Deposited:	26 Apr 2019 09:36
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2019 09:36
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/1318

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