Inconsistency of results in the determination of chain crosslink density in caustobioliths in accordance with the Flory-Rehner theory

Abstract

The degree of swelling of caustobioliths in liquids depends on their character. Correspondingly, the molecular weight MC of hydrocarbon chain segments between the crosslink sites, which is determined based on the Flory-Rehner or Kovac equations, changes. Based on the generalization of data on the swelling of Turkish lignites from the Goynuk deposit, it was found that the determined values of MC depend on the physicochemical characteristics of solvents in a complicated manner. Therefore, the values of MC determined in unsolvating hydrocarbons should be considered the most reliable.