Physical Characteristics of Coal

Abstract

To understand the behavior of coal, characterizing and understanding its physical properties is of paramount importance. The bulk properties of coal, and in particular the mechanical and thermal properties, have a significant impact on the various processes that are discussed in later chapters. In addition, the microstructure and porosity of coal are intimately involved in the complex heterogeneous reactivity of coal. In this chapter, the physical structures and properties of various coal types are described in terms of the most commonly used physical characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering, surface area, and porosity measurement techniques. Other physical properties of coal such as optical, electrical and magnetic properties can also offer insight into the chemical structure and composition of coal. The physical properties of coal, including the mechanical, electromagnetic, and optical properties, are related to structural models of coal. The bulk thermodynamic properties of coal combustion are also introduced. Finally, the use of computational methods to determine the physical properties of coal is discussed.