The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy-related potential of wood residues of four Amazonian species and calibrate the properties of wood and charcoal using the Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS) technique. Residue slabs of cardeiro (Scleronema micranthum Ducke), cedrinho (Scleronema sp.), louro (Ocotea sp.), and piquiarana (Caryocar villosum Pers.) wood were used. The following properties were determined: density, chemical composition, immediate chemical analysis, and superior calorific value of wood; and yield, immediate chemical analysis, calorific value, and friability of charcoal. NIR spectra were obtained and calibration models were generated for each energy property. The results indicate that residues of these forest species can be used as a renewable energy source. NIR spectroscopy has proved to be a possible tool for calibrating energy properties of wood.
native species; forestry residues; pyrolysis; near infrared