The role of the molecular component in coke microtexture formation

As part of a study aimed at the elucidation, especially by microscopy, of the mechanisms of coke microtexture formation during coal carbonization, the role of the molecular component, separated with N-methyl-2 pyrrolidone and with anthracene oil, of nine coals was examined. The effects on coal carbonization of the residues and extracts were ascertained by TEM, by comparing the microtextures of their cokes. The role of the suspensive medium of the extracted molecular component is clearly evidenced; moreover, the higher the parent coal rank, the more efficient is the molecular component in coke microtexture formation. FT-i.r. and t.e.m. data are discussed to explain the dependence on coal rank of the molecular component's efficiency.