Analysis of Carbonized Industrial Samples by Scanning Electron Microscopy

The morphology, structure, and mineral composition of carbonized industrial samples are studied by scanning electron microscopy. According to the results, the carbonized samples include particles of different sizes, which are covered by a layer of organic mass containing oxygen. Disperse amorphous calcium carbonate is also present, as confirmed by the decrease in oxygen content at the surface of the particles after heating the sample to 800°C in an inert atmosphere. The mineral component of the carbonized sample is found to contain the elements Ca and Mg, which are typical of lignite. The microstructure established for the sample is also typical of carbonized lignite.