Structural characteristics and low-temperature oxidation thermodynamic properties of coal and gangue in the same coal seam

In order to effectively mitigate the oxidation reactions of coal (RC) and gangue (RG) at low temperatures, a comprehensive study was conducted on the mineral composition, structural characteristics, and oxidation behaviors of RC and RG from the same coal seam. Additionally, the thermodynamic attributes of their oxidation processes were evaluated. The results indicate that the mineral composition of RC and RG is similar, primarily comprising kaolinite. However, there are substantial differences in structural characteristics, with RG exhibiting a more stable structure, smaller aromatic layer spacing, and higher degree of graphitization. Additionally, the molecular arrangement is densely packed and orderly, displaying characteristics akin to those of " highly metamorphic coal-like ". RC has a high content of aromatic hydrocarbons and aliphatic hydrocarbons, with long side chains, rendering it more susceptible to oxidation and possessing stronger combustion activity. Upon entry into the oxidation process, RG exhibits a lower initial exothermic temperature due to its strong thermal conductivity and large thermal diffusion coefficient. However, it simultaneously has fewer active functional groups and a higher ash content, limiting its sustained exothermic capacity and prolonging the processes of slow endothermic and rapid exothermic reactions. Conversely, RC, with its high carbon content and abundant active substances, releases heat during oxidation that is 1.7–3.5 times greater than that of RG. Importantly, when RC and RG oxidize together, they exhibit a synergistic effect, promoting the reaction. In the slow endothermic stage, the average activation energy required for CG is 2.64 kJ·mol −1 lower than that for RC. In the rapid exothermic and slow exothermic stages, the actual heat release of CG exceeds the theoretical heat release by 15.95–64.71 J·g −1 and 13.88–56.77 J·g −1 , respectively.