MICROWAVE PYROLYSIS OF BIOMASS

Because of the inherent moisture and large particle size of wood used in the Forest Products Industry, there has been regional interest in exploring the feasibility of processing wood, cellulose, and other such related materials using microwave dielectric-loss heating. A research project was undertaken in the late 1970's to determine the important variables altering the rate of microwave-induced reactions of this polymeric material. The research presented dates from that period. Reaction proudcts were measured in detail and some optimization of the coupling of the microwave energy to the large particles was studied. Results and principal findings at the time of the study are presented in this paper as well as two papers by the author in the cited literature. Suggestions for future directions for this type of study are also presented.