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Table 12 Physical properties and characteristics of pyrolysis oil––source from [78]

From: Microwave pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass––a contribution to power Africa

Properties

Oil characteristics

Reasons

Appearance

Dark red-brown to dark green

Micro-carbon and chemical composition in oil

Odor

Distinctive odor–an acid smoky smell

Lower molecular weight aldehydes and acids

Density

Very high compared to fossil fuel

Pyrolysis bio-oil; 1.2 kg/liter

Fossil oil; 0.85 kg/liter

High moisture and heavy molecule contamination

Viscosity

Can vary as low as 25 cSt to as high as 1000 cSt

Wide range of feedstock, water content, and the amount of light ends collected

Heating value

Significantly lower than fossil oil

High oxygen content

Aging

Viscosity increase, volatility decrease, phase separation, and deposition of gum occur with time

Complex structure and high pH value

Miscibility

Miscible with polar solvent but totally immiscible with petroleum fuel

Polar in nature