What is the process called when wood undergoes a chemical change due to heat without combustion?

The process when wood undergoes a chemical change due to heat without combustion is known as pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves the thermal decomposition of organic material in the absence of oxygen, leading to the formation of volatile gases, liquid tar, and charcoal. This process is crucial in various applications, including charcoal production and biomass energy conversion.

In pyrolysis, the heat causes the organic compounds within the wood to break down chemically into simpler substances, rather than burning completely as in combustion. The result is a range of byproducts, depending on the temperature and conditions of the pyrolysis process.

Understanding pyrolysis is essential for firefighters and those in the firefighting community because it illustrates the behaviors of materials under heat exposure and informs decisions regarding fire suppression, prevention, and safety during incidents involving organic materials like wood.