96/04606 Fractal approach to coal particle surface

Abstract

A number of concentrates of vitrinite, liptinite and inertinite groups of macerals, prepared and sealed under nitrogen by Fenton and Smith, have been made available to us. They are being studied in a number of institutions using various techniques. The set comprises seven vitrinites, four liptinites and eight inertinites, the last-named including some reputed semifusinite concentrates. Identifications of seams and sample history are provided here, together with chemical analyses and re-analysis of petrographic compositions using reflected light methods. The vitrinites cover a range of rank represented by carbon contents from 81.5 to 91.4% dmmf (hvB to Iv). The liptinites consist very largely of sporinite. Dilatation tests indicate that little if any weathering has occurred during 20 years of storage of the vitrinites.