Chemical characterization of Chilean hardwoods

Abstract

Six Chilean native hardwoods (Nothofagus obliqua, Nothofagus glauca, Lithraea caustica, Quillaja saponaria, Cryptocarya alba, and Acacia caven) and four introduced species (Pinus radiata, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia dealbata and Eucalyptus globulus) were chemically characterized in their lignin, cellulose, hollocellulose, extractives and ash content. Seven metallic ions and phosphorous were analyzed in ashes. Basic density and calorific value were also determined. No correlations were found between calcium content and basic density. Authors thanks to the Fondo de Desarrolo Regional (FDR) of Talca and DIUT for financial support. We also wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Guillermo Schmeda-Hirshmann and Dra. Patricia Pacheco for a critical reading of the manuscript