The use of microwaves for heating is well established in society, being used in domestic and some industrial processes. However, there is potential for this technology to be introduced and applied to many other industrial heating processes, which offers unique advantages not attained with conventional heating. In this sense, microwave technology is being explored as one method to assist in waste management. The aim of this paper has been to provide the reader with a fundamental understanding of microwave-assisted pyrolysis processes. The unique internal phenomenon associated with microwave energy not only leads to significant savings in both energy consumption and process time during the pyrolysis process, but also allows for the development of chemical profiles of the volatiles, which enhances the overall quality of production. Both the influence of microwave heating on pyrolysis conditions (distribution of temperature, heating rate and residence time of volatiles) and raw materials have been discussed. Furthermore, special attention has been given to the microwave receptor, since it is an essential factor in any microwave heating process.

The use of microwaves for heating is well established in society, being used in domestic and some industrial processes. However, there is potential for this technology to be introduced and applied to many other industrial heating processes, which offers unique advantages not attained with convent...