Analysis of the Main Physical-Mechanical Characteristics of Charcoal for Barbecue

Charcoal is the main wood fuel in urban areas in many low and medium-income countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. At the same time, in the last decade there has been a significant increase in interest about this material even in the high-income countries where it is mainly used for outdoor cooking. The data provided by FAO in recent years show a growing increase in trade flows of charcoal from low and medium-income countries to high income ones, including Italy, giving the possibility to find on the market material with different characteristics and origins. However, the information and analyzes aimed at ascertaining the quality and characteristics of the material are scarcely available. This work is aimed at the analysis of the main physical-mechanical characteristics of charcoal commonly available on the market in Italy following the provisions of EN ISO 17225-1:2014 Table 14. 24 samples of charcoal and charcoal briquettes were analyzed, each with different characteristics and origins. The results of the tests conducted show a strong variability both between different samples and within the same sample. In fact, for each parameter there are statistically significant differences. The work also highlighted some gaps in the reference standard relating to laboratory analyses. To ensure careful control of the qualitative characteristics of the products on the market, it is necessary to promote the creation of a quality brand