In situ change of fractal structure in coal with coking capability during high-temperature carbonisation

Coal is an important energy and chemical raw material. Carbonization is an effective way for comprehensive utilization of coal, especially for coal with coking capability. The complex pore structure of raw coal and its carbonization solid products can be well characterized by a fractal description. Owing to a lack of in situ studies, the change in the fractal structure of coal with coking capability during carbonization remains unclear. Here we report briefly on an in situ study on high-temperature (1000°C) carbonization of four kinds of Chinese typical bituminous coal with coking capability, namely gas coal, fat coal, coking coal and lean coal, by synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The change of fractal structure of the coal is analyzed in terms of corresponding mechanisms.