Torrefaction of bamboo was performed in a horizontal tubular reactor under nitrogen atmosphere at 220, 240, 260, and 280 degrees C for 10,30, and 60 min, respectively. It was found that with an increase of the severity of torrefaction, the mass yield and energy yield decreased while the high heating value increased. Due to the release of hydroxyl groups, the torrefied bamboo became more hydrophobic and the maximum content of absorbed moisture was reduced by 53.89%. The elemental components of torrefied bamboo tended to that of coal since carbon content was enriched with the increase of torrefaction severity. The removal of hemicelluloses and the enrichment of lignin produced samples with more uniform quality. This study suggested that torrefaction of bamboo under nitrogen produced a good feedstock for the application in burning. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.