Utilization of <i>Casuarina montana</i> Pruning Waste Biomass as Chemical or Energy Resources

Abstract

In Indonesia, Casuarina montana usually planted as a road shading tree or in the home garden. This tree will be pruned periodically to reduce the amount of the canopy and maintain the beauty of its shape. Pruning biomass usually consists of the tip of the stem, branches, twigs, and leaves. The biomass has potency for energy or chemicals sources. This study aims to know about energy potential of various types of C. montana biomass and charcoal properties in different carbonization temperature. Six types of biomass from pruning waste of C. montana were used as samples. Branch has high potency as α-cellulose source, while bark including twig bark, branch bark, or stem bark have high potency as lignin source. When it is used as direct fuel (firewood), all biomass of C. montana possess quite high calorific value. When it is converted to be charcoal, temperature of 300°C is good for carbonizing the biomass twig, twig bark, branch bark, and stem bark, while biomass branch and stem need temperature of 400°C.