Variation in chemistry of vitrinite and semifusinite as a function of associated inertinite content

Abstract

Variation in the chemistry of vitrinite and semifusinite as a function of associated inertinite content was studied using electron microprobe, Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-i.r.) and reflected light microscopy. The study has shown that, in vitrinite, C content increases and O content decreases as the amount of inertinite macerals associated with the vitrinite increases. FT-i.r. spectra document that vitrinite associated with inertnite is of a more aromatic character than vitrinite alone. Reflectance values of vitrinite are in agreement with the chemical data; the increase in C content and increase in aromaticity from vitrinite in vitrite to vitrinite in inertinite-dominated vitrinertite corresponds to a slight increase in reflectance. There are no clear differences in chemistry between semifusinite in vitrinertite and semifusinite in inertite. Depositional environment (geochemical character and oxidation), rather than vitrinite-inertinite interactions, seems to be responsible for variation in maceral chemistry.