A statistical classification of Mediterranean species based on their flammability components

Abstract

Eight dominant Mediterranean species were classified into similar groups according to their expected flammability, by applying multivariate statistical methods (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Canonical Discriminant Analysis) on the values of their most significant pyric properties (heat content, total and mineral ash content, surface area-to-volume ratio, particle density). Based on the statistical classification, meaningful explanations of the flammability differences among individual species were deduced. The results were in good agreement with similar rankings based on laboratory tests. Further validation may render the method widely applicable for the assessment of species potential flammability without laboratory flammability tests.