Characterization of vitrinite concentrates: 3. Correlation of FT-i.r. measurements to thermoplastic and liquefaction behaviour

Abstract

Measurements of aliphatic C–H content by FT-i.r. have been correlated to the plastic properties and liquefaction behaviour of a set of coals and vitrinite concentrates obtained from the Lower Kittaning seam. It has been found that for vitrinites a measure of total aliphatic C–H content correlates with Gieseler fluidity, displaying an abrupt change over a narrow range of aliphatic C–H content. Liquefaction conversion does not correlate with FT-i.r. measurements of total aliphatic C–H content but does correlate with the intensity of a band that is a measure of CH 2 content. These results confirm the general relationship between the mechanism of liquefaction conversion and plastic development, but also suggests there are some subtle differences.