Biomass microspheres - A new method for characterization of biomass pyrolysis and shrinkage.

A method for manufacturing biomass microspheres is introduced. Biomass microspheres between 100 and 400 µm in diameter were produced from crystalline cellulose, switchgrass, and tall fescue using spray drying. The biomass microspheres were characterized using X-ray computed tomography (XCT), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and real-time optical imaging: density, pore structure, and size effects were studied.