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Residue of açaí berry (Euterpe oleracea) management as a source of lignocellulosic material

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Abstract

The management of açaí berry palm trees consists in the maintenance of a few stems per individual, which generates a large amount of waste. This study aimed to assess some mechanical, physical and anatomical properties of the material from the Euterpe oleracea stem considering its dense peripheral zone and low-density center. The compression strength and stiffness, density, size of vascular bundles, proportional area of vascular bundles and fiber length were analyzed. The peripheral zone presented very distinct properties in relation to the center. While the former is considered adequate to be used as a source of lignocellulosic material, the latter is not. The compressive strength of the peripheral zone is equivalent to some commercial Amazon timbers of similar density and higher than bamboo. A linear model confirmed density as a viable property to predict resistance on the peripheral zone. The use of E. oleracea stems can stimulate the adoption of management practices to raise the açaí berry productivity and, together with sustainable practices that contribute to the species conservation, increase the income in the Amazon region, especially for those who depend directly on the açaí fruit production. Some studies are still necessary to understand the applicability of this material, but it has shown potential for the manufacturing of high added value products, such as furniture, frames for paintings, handicrafts and as substitute of imported bamboo products.

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(from Kretschmann 2010)

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Laboratory of Wood Technology—UFOPA, where all mechanical tests were realized, as well as Mr. Antônio C. F. Barbosa (IPT) and the Laboratory of Plant Anatomy—IB/USP for the great help to produce the cuttings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Agronomia, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

    Bruno Monteiro Balboni

  2. Universidade Federal Do Oeste Do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, S/N, Salé, Santarém, Pará, Brazil

    João Thiago Rodrigues de Sousa, Milca Aires Ferreira, Rafael de Aguiar Rodrigues & Albanita Bentes Macedo

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  1. Bruno Monteiro Balboni
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  2. João Thiago Rodrigues de Sousa
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  3. Milca Aires Ferreira
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Correspondence to Bruno Monteiro Balboni.

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Balboni, B.M., de Sousa, J.T.R., Ferreira, M.A. et al. Residue of açaí berry (Euterpe oleracea) management as a source of lignocellulosic material. Eur. J. Wood Prod. 77, 509–516 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-019-01417-8

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