ABSTRACT
The evaluation of lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production demands to consider several characteristics and properties that may be correlated. This fact demands the use of various multivariate analysis techniques that allow the evaluation of relevant energetic factors. This work aimed to apply cluster analysis and principal components analyses for the selection and evaluation of lignocellulosic wastes for bioenergy production. 8 types of residual biomass were used, whose the elemental components (C, H, O, N, S) content, lignin, total extractives and ashes contents, basic density and higher and lower heating values were determined. Both multivariate techniques applied for evaluation and selection of lignocellulosic wastes were efficient and similarities were observed between the biomass groups formed by them. Through the interpretation of the first principal component obtained, it was possible to create a global development index for the evaluation of the viability of energetic uses of biomass. The interpretation of the second principal component allowed a contrast between nitrogen and sulfur contents with oxygen content.
Keywords:
multivariate analysis; biomass; energy