Abstract
In this scientific article, the material composition and microstructure of the sample obtained from the Shargun coal deposit were studied based on complex instrumental methods. Based on the conducted research, the elemental composition was determined using an AL-NP-5010A X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and microscopic analyses were carried out with an increase of up to 1600 times. The spectrometric analysis showed that the high intensities of silicon and aluminum are due to the high proportions of kaolin and quartz, which are aluminosilicates. Also, the detection of iron, calcium, and sulfur indicated the presence of additional sulfides in the iron and carbonate phases. Based on the results of microscopic analyses, it was established that the coal sample has a heterogeneous and porous structure, and the mineral inclusions within the organic matrix are located in a dispersed and clustered state, characterized by micro porousness. At the same time, the proportion of the mineral phase area according to the morphometric assessment was 18-27%, and the micro-porousness coefficient was in the range of 0.12-0.20. It was observed that the angular shape of the particles and the polydisperse granulometric composition correspond to the Rosin distribution. From the integral analysis of the obtained results, it was established that the high content of aluminosilicates and iron oxides increases the susceptibility to ash formation and slagging processes. Also, the presence of porous microstructures and microcracks made it possible to increase the reactivity of the process of heat treatment and gasification.