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Wood can be regarded as the single most important natural resource of the future, as it is a magnificent gift of nature. However, wood is a highly variable and complex material. Branch wood is a part of a tree that requires careful attention due to several disadvantages, making it less favorable for industrial use. This study was conducted to identify the basic properties of branch wood of Acacia gerrardii, Tamarix aphylla, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and to highlight its potential utilizations. Branch wood of all the examined species had several drawbacks that markedly limit its potential for commercial uses. It might not be favorable for particleboard, flakeboard, or fiberboard because of its high shrinkage. Even though all of the fibers showed suitability as a raw material for pulp and paper, the quality is low due to the high density of vessels or parenchyma proportions. However, branch wood of all examined species might be used as a blending material (papermaking and glued plates) or for light construction purposes. In considering the chemical composition of branch wood, classes of green products, such as biofuel, bioenergy, and biochar might maximize the value of branch wood. These offer numerous benefits to support human needs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated for the first time, some strength properties and the chemical compositions of seven hardwood species grown in Northeast Egypt, namely, Acacia saligna, Delonix regia, Erythrina humeana, Ficus elastica, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia azedarach, and Meryta sinclairii. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated that the effect of wood species on the mechanical properties and chemical compositions was significant (P<0.01). The parameters used to describe the mechanical properties and chemical compositions of the wood of the seven species differed from one species to another. The cellulose contents of the studied species, except for L. leucocephala (43.2%), M. azedarach (44.1%), and M. sinclairii (44.0%), were found to be lower than those of common hardwood species. The variations in MOR, MOE, Cmax, and tensile strength among the seven species were expected given the differences in wood density and chemical compositions. Except for E. humeana, the other hardwood species studied could be considered to have moderate hardness and are suitable for making floor parquets. Overall, based on the studied mechanical properties, the wood of M. azedarach and M. sinclairii showed good MOR, MOE, and Cmax values, whereas E. humeana wood had the lowest such values. In terms of mechanical properties, the seven hardwood species studied in the present investigation can thus be concluded to have the following order: M. azedarach > M. sinclairii > L. leucocephala > D. regia > F. elastica > A. saligna > E. humeana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven varieties of vine prunings (Vitis vinifera L.) grown under Riyadh conditions were considered as renewable sources for fuelwood. Significant effects (P<0.01) were found for total extractives, benzeneethanol extractives, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, cold water solubility, and hot water solubility among the seven vine varieties. Highly significant positive correlations (P<0.01) were observed between the higher heating value (HHV) and benzene-ethanol extractives (r=0.74) and lignin content (r=0.94). Additionally, elemental composition (C, H, N, O, and S) exhibited a significant effect on HV (P<0.01) and ash content of the seven vine varieties. There were highly significant positive correlations (P<0.01) between the HV and C (r=0.96) and H (r=0.93). Ash content showed a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on HV with a negative coefficient (r=-0.93). The heating value of vine prunings ranged from 18.74 to 19.19 MJ/kg, i.e. higher than some well-known biomass fuels. The results suggested that the vine prunings could be suitable as a source for energy production in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]