Abstract: Woody biomass is a cheap regenerable and biodegradable natural resource of wide occurrence at vast amount. Nowaday woody biomass is largely used as raw material in pulp and paper making and fuel. Through modification of woody biomass, such as thermal degradation, saccharification, plastication, etc., valuable chemicals can be obtained to relief the energy crisis caused by the gradual deficit of fossil oil resources.

Key words: woody biomass, thermal degradation, saccharification, plastication