Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026) – 4 articles
Cover Picture: Microwave pretreatment is an emerging approach for improving the fuel properties of solid biomass. However, its effect on the combustion behavior of densified pellets remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, microwave pretreatment of pine sawdust pellets was systematically investigated by varying pretreatment temperature (70-150 °C), holding time (0-8 min), and microwave power (400-800 W). Combustion performance was evaluated using optical flame imaging, infrared thermography, and gravimetric measurements of moisture content, together with the specific energy consumption. Microwave pretreatment improved combustion intensity relative to both untreated and electrically heated pellets. The optimal conditions were identified as 110 °C, 6 min, and 600 W, under which the flame length and peak combustion temperature reached 4.173 cm and 698.3 °C, respectively. Compared with untreated pellets, these values increased by 167.8% and 29.7%, respectively. Excessive pretreatment temperature, prolonged holding time, and high microwave power reduced flame intensity and stability, likely due to premature volatile loss and surface carbonization. Specific energy consumption confirmed that the optimal conditions provide the best balance between moisture removal and energy input. These results show that controlled microwave pretreatment effectively strengthens pellet combustion and improves energy conversion.
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