Comparison of Picea mariana, Abies balsamea, Betula papyrifera, Populus tremuloides for the production of wood pellets

Abstract

Scientists and international organisations agree that wood pellets are a type of biofuel that is better for the environment than fossil fuels. Wood pellets are produced from the residues in sawmills, ground logs and is a renewable energy. Therefore, in this research we focus on the comparison of four tree species, Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP., Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., Betula papyrifera Marsh., Populus tremuloides Michx. with their carbon content, thermal properties, and density to identify which species can produce the best wood pellets according to the results that we obtain from the studies. In this study we use ASTM standards to test the various properties of the wood and to compare and analyze. It was found that Abies balsamea, displayed the best properties to produce wood pellets due its significant properties compared to the other three species.