Microwave torrefaction of rice straw and pennisetum

► Higher power levels led to higher heating value and lower H/C and O/C ratios. ► Power levels of 150 W and processing time of 10 min provided 80% energy yield. ► Energy density of biomass increased for 14% after microwave torrefaction. ► Microwave torrefaction should be very close to first-order reaction. ► Liquid and gaseous byproducts possessed 30% mass and 20% energy of raw biomass.