Physicochemical Characterization of Macaúba ( Acrocomia Aculeata ) Focusing on Energy Applications

Coimbra, Kennedy Romualdo Guedes, de Sousa, Eva Furtado, Lima, Mauricio Dorneles, Silva, Paloma Cavalcante, Cunha, Francisco Assis Bezerra, Rios, Maria Alexsandra de Sousa

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
DOI: 10.18086/swc.2025.05.11

Abstract

This study presents the physicochemical characterization of Acrocomia aculeata (macaúba) fractions, including the epicarp, mesocarp post-oil extraction, endocarp, and almond cake post-oil extraction, focusing on their potential for renewable energy applications. The characterization included proximate analysis and the estimation of the Higher Heating Value (HHV) to assess the energetic quality of each fraction. The results showed moisture contents between 8.88% and 10.36%, volatile matter above 84%, ash contents ranging from 2.19% to 5.63%, and fixed carbon between 7.51% and 12.01%. The predicted HHV values varied from 17.54 to 18.53 MJ/kg, comparable to or higher than several conventional lignocellulosic feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse and rice husk. These findings demonstrate that macaúba residues present favorable physicochemical properties for bioenergy production, reinforcing their potential as a sustainable biomass source. The valorization of these by-products aligns with circular bioeconomy principles and contributes to expanding Brazil’s renewable energy matrix beyond solar-based systems.

Keywords

Lignocellulosic feedstocks, macaúba residues, bioenergy, circular bioeconomy, energy matrix

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