CHAPTER 7. Role of Free Radicals in Fast Pyrolysis

Fast pyrolysis is a process that thermochemically decomposes biomass into liquids. Biomass pyrolysis involves a complex set of chemical reactions. This chapter describes the reaction mechanisms involving free radicals occurring during the pyrolysis of biomass and biomass components. Properties of radical species observed from pyrolysis reaction and their role in the condensed phase regarding their thermal stability are also addressed in this chapter.