A contribution to the structure of coals from x-ray diffraction studies

Abstract
Detailed X-ray diffraction studies have been carried out on a series of vitrains, anthracites, lignites, durains, fusains and certain coal extracts, of varying rank. The results are interpreted in terms of a basic structural model in which the carbon atoms are arranged in small aromatic layers linked to each other by aliphatic or alicyclic material or by five-membered rings to form large buckled sheets. Data have been obtained on the layer size distributions, the average layer diameters, the average bond length, the proportion of amorphous material and on the nature of the packing. The significance of the various structural parameters deduced from X-ray data is discussed critically. All the results are considered together in an attempt to develop as detailed a structural model as possible. The nature of the coalification process and the structural differences between various macerals are discussed and the results are compared with those deduced from other studies.

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