in-situ observation of the decomposition process of woodchips in subcritical- and supercritical water by neutron imaging

in-situ observation of the decomposition process of woodchips (cedar and Quercus acutissima ) in subcritical- and supercritical water was performed by neutron imaging experiment. The woodchips and D 2 O were sealed into a stainless tube, and the tube was heated up to 500ºC by a block heater designed for neutron imaging. The neutron imaging experiment was performed in BL22 RADEN of J-PARC MLF. The decomposition processes of the woodchips in D 2 O solvent were visualized clearly in time-lapse images. The outside of woodchips was partially broken at 300ºC. The woodchips have a porous structure at 450ºC, and D 2 O penetrates the pores. The skeleton of the woodchips remains even at 500ºC. These results will be useful for the development of biomass processing technology using high-temperature and high-pressure water.