Crosslinked macromolecular structures in bituminous coals: Theoretical and experimental considerations

Conference · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6224976

Lucht, L M; Peppas, N A

Ample evidence from physicochemical experiments suggests that bituminous coals can be described as highly crosslinked and entangled networks of macromolecular chains of irregular structure. Theoretically these structures can be analyzed by statistical mechanical models considering non-Gaussian distribution of the macro-molecular chains along with departure from the Flory theories of crosslinked macromolecules. The models of Kovac (1978) and Peppas and Lucht (1979) have been developed in order to describe non-extractable coal matrices and their behavior during swelling in appropriate swelling agents. The molecular weight between cross-links M/sub c/ and the crosslinking density rho/sub x/ can be determined for various solvents and equilibrium swelling ratios. Few experimental data are available to which these models can be applied. Thus, in view of these new theoretical models, experimental research must be directed towards the reexamination of extraction and swelling behavior of bituminous coals. Some of the important parameters to be determined for characterization of the physical structure of coals include the thermodynamic interaction parameter chi, the crosslinking parameters M/sub c/ and rho/sub x/ and the molecular weight distribution of the extractable coal portion.

• Research Organization: School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
• OSTI ID: 6224976
• Report Number(s): CONF-8006116-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 70:1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010600* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Properties & Composition
BITUMINOUS COAL
BLACK COAL
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
CROSS-LINKING
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
POLYMERIZATION
SOLUBILITY
STATISTICAL MODELS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
SWELLING