Characterization of Mahogany and Gmelina Sawdusts

Abstract

In this study, mahogany and gmelina sawdusts were characterized by proximate and ultimate analyses, SEM, EDXRF, FTIR, XRD and TGA. The physiochemical properties showed high ash content of 15.84 and 15.35%, low volatile matter (1.73% and 1.92%), low moisture content (4.95% and 3.98%). Other results are fixed carbon (76.98% and 77.8%), carbon contents (47.37% and 47.60%), and hydrogen (2.3% and 3.2%), low nitrogen content (1.0% and 0.98%), and negligible sulfur content (0.4% and 0.3%), the calorific value are 319.24 and 327.43 kJ/g. The morphology of the samples depicts a wide variety of shapes and sizes after subjection to high temperature. The EDXRF result for mahogany are MgO, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, K₂O, CaO, and SnO₂, for gmelina are MgO, SiO₂, K₂O, CaO, SnO₂, other trace elements. Functional groups of carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxyl were present while detected phases are quartz and calcite for the samples. The TGA analysis revealed the degradation at 205 ^oC and 230 ^oC, and the devolatilization stage at 205-575 ^oC, 230-638 ^oC and the carbonization at 575-835 ^oC and 638-835 ^oC for mahogany and gmelina respectively. This finding demonstrates that sawdust has the potential for various applications.