Technical note: Pyrolysis principles explain time-resolved organic aerosol release from biomass burning

Abstract. Emission of organic aerosol (OA) from wood combustion is not well constrained; understanding the governing factors OA emissions would aid in explaining reported variability. Pyrolysis during process that produces and releases precursors. We performed controlled pyrolysis experiments at representative conditions. The conditions changed were temperature, length, moisture content, type. mass loss wood, particle concentrations, light-gas concentrations measured continuously. repeatable as shown by a single experiment, nine times, which real-time concentration varied maximum 20 %. Higher temperatures increased rate released gases particles. Large size had lower yield particles than small because higher transfer resistance. Reactions outside became important between 500 600 ∘C. Elevated content reduced product formation heat received was shared reactions evaporation. thermophysical properties, especially thermal diffusivity, difference emission among seven types. This work demonstrates deterministic depends on transport phenomena.