In this paper, normal
and thermally altered coals were sampled
to investigate the surface characteristic changes of coals after igneous
intrusions and their effects on the wettability. The chemical compositions,
pore structures, surface morphology, and functional groups of coals
after igneous intrusions were comparatively analyzed. A contact angle
experiment and wetting time test were employed to analyze the wettability
of coals. The results showed that the coals after igneous intrusions
exhibited much more epigenetic carbonates and higher ash contents
as compared to the normal coals, which would improve the wettability
of these coals. Pore structure analysis revealed that the macropore
volume and surface roughness of the altered coals were further increased
due to igneous intrusions. In addition, the altered coals formed much
larger pores and more cracks on their surface, which made these coals
more easily wetted by water. XPS analysis revealed decreased contents
of oxygen-containing groups after igneous intrusions. The contact
angle and wetting time test results indicated that the altered coals
demonstrated an improved wettability as compared to the normal coals.
This conclusion could be evidenced by a smaller contact angle and
shorter wetting time for the altered coals. This paper concluded that
the surface structure of bituminous coal was obviously influenced
by igneous intrusions, finally enhancing the wettability of the altered
coals, which was mainly due to changes in ash contents, minerals,
pore structures, and surface morphology.
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