In this study, an investigation was conducted in order to find out whether Phragmites Australis can be utilized in various ways by means of pyrolysis in a tubular fixed-bed system. To this end, a study was carried out to investigate the effect of the pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, sweep gas flow rate and the size of Phragmites Australis on pyrolysis. The maximum tar yield was achieved at 550 degrees C pyrolysis temperature, a heating rate of 25 degrees C/min and a sweeping gas flow rate of 100 ml/min. The average chemical composition of the tar obtained was established by elemental analysis and its structural analysis was conducted by H-1 NMR spectrum and FTIR spectrum. Moreover, elemental and proximate analyses were conducted of the chars obtained in all experimental conditions to collect information on their structure. (C) 2008 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.