Charring

Charring is a chemical process of incomplete combustion of certain solids when subjected to high heat. The resulting residue matter is called Char. By the action of heat, charring removes hydrogen and oxygen from the solid, so that the remaining char is composed primarily of carbon. Polymers like thermoset or most solid organic compounds like wood or biological tissue, exhibit charring behaviour.

Charring is the result of naturally occurring processes like fire but also a deliberate and controlled reaction used in the manufacturing of certain products.

The mechanism of charring is part of the normal burning of certain solid fuels like wood. During normal combustion the volatile compounds created by charring and pyrolysis are consumed at the flames within the fire, while combustion of char can be seen as glowing red coals or embers which burn without the presence of flames.