Studies related to the structure and reactivity of coals: 14. Chemical characterization of a suite of Australian coals

A suite of Australian coals has been carefully selected to study how the chemical structure of a coal sample affects its reactivity under liquefaction conditions. Coals were selected on the basis of a diversity of carbon content (66 to 91%) and atomic HC ratios (0.5-1.7) but with consistently low sulphur (<1.3%) and low mineral matter (<20%) contents. The coals have been extensively characterized by physicochemical methods in accord with established geological classifications. A study of their hydroliquefaction reactivity will form the basis of future publications.