Influence of alcohol addition on properties of bio-oil produced from fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus bark in a free-fall reactor

Fast pyrolysis of eucalyptus bark was carried out in a free-fall pyrolysis unit at different temperatures ranging from 400 to 550°C to produce bio-oil, char and gas. The bio-oil produced at optimum temperature was mixed with alcohols with an aim to improve its properties. The results showed that the maximum bio-oil yield of 64.65wt% on dry biomass basis could be obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 500°C. The addition of a small proportion (2.5–10%) of alcohol into the bio-oil could improve its viscosity, stability and heating value. These effects were further enhanced when increasing the alcohol.