A reaction-transport model is developed for the pyrolysis of cellulose particles. The model incorporates recently measured kinetic parameters, intra- and extra-particle heat transfer, and particle shrinkage as gaseous products are formed. Numerical predictions for measurable properties, including the temporal evolution of the residual mass and the final char yield, are validated through comparison to data from experiments, and strong agreement is found. Predicted char yields and effectiveness factors are presented for a wide range of parameters, and operating conditions are identified under which the process is transport- vs. reaction-controlled due to the limitations of intraparticle heat transport. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.