Some small-angle x-ray scattering techniques for studying the submicroscopic structure of coals and coal-derived liquids

The theory of small angle x-ray diffraction and its use for investigating the porosity of coals and the particle sizes of coal-derived liquids is discussed. The method of interpreting the scattering data is included in the presentation. Coals ranging from eastern bituminous to western low-rank coal are analyzed. Also, the change in particle size in coal-derived liquids with respect to holding time is investigated.