Upgrading of woody biomass by torrefaction under pressure

► Woody biomass, Leucaena leucocephala, was upgraded by torrefaction at 200-250 °C under pressure up to 4 MPa. Measurements of product yields and carbon distribution during torrefaction were conducted. ► Detailed analyses of torrefied leucaena at various torrefaction conditions were conducted. ► Pyrolysis and combustion characteristics of leucaena torrefied at high pressure were investigated in detail. ► This work showed that leucaena could be upgraded efficiently by torrefaction at temperature less than 250 °C and under pressure up to 4 MPa.