Flame propagation behaviors and temperature characteristics of four types of biomass with two different particle size distributions were studied experimentally. Results show that the flame front of a 50-70 mu m biomass is nearly spherical and smooth, the flame zone is characterized by yellow or dark red spotted flames, and luminous flames are present behind it. The flame morphology of 100-200 mu m biomass dust is irregular and discrete. The average flame propagation velocity and the amplitude of the velocity fluctuation are functions of the mass density of the biomass particles and depend on the particle size distributions. The flame-speed oscillation of biomass particles is caused by the velocity slip between the volatile gases and particles. Flame temperatures of 50-70 mu m and 100-200 mu m biomass dust reach the maximum value at 1000 g/m(3), and show a slight dependence on the particle size distribution. An analysis of the Knudsen number indicates that the combustion characteristics of biomass particles with particle size distributions within the range studied are characterized by a continuum regime. It is indicated that 100-200 mu m poplar sawdust will be the "best" option as a biomass replacement feedstock for coal powered plants. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.