Electron-beam degradation of wood: 1. Dry distillation products

Electron-beam heating to ≥270°C initiates the process of dry (destructive) distillation of wood. Birch, aspen, alder, spruce, and pine wood is decomposed yielding liquid organic products (55–61 wt %), gas (13–18 wt %), and charcoal. The liquid largely consists of carbonyl compounds. The furan fraction makes up approximately one fifth. The liquid produced from softwood is heavier and is rich in phenolic compounds. The products of dry distillation upon wood irradiation in a stream of propane and butanes are enriched in liquid alkanes, alcohols, and ethers. The feasibility of conversion of the condensable products into regular liquid fuel is discussed.