LAUSR

Abstract The influence of 2 wt% additives having functional groups with various mesomeric effects, namely expired paracetamol (PR) and naproxen (NP), on the course of pyrolysis and carbonization processes of a commercial sample of high volatile bituminous coal (HVBC) was investigated. It was stated on the basis of a research conducted with the use of TG/FT-IR, ultrasonic extraction, the UV and FT-IR spectroscopies along with SEM and HAADF-STEM techniques that the additions interact with coal in different way. NP decreases plasticization of coal and increases the yield of volatile products of destruction, PR increases plasticization of coal and facilitates the appearance of solid products of carbonization of greater density and the formation of topological structures of two types in swollen grains: a dumbbell-like structure and a hedgehog-like one. In the material of the extract from the zone of swollen grains of the blend with PR, there are some fibrous carbon shaped materials (CSMs) visible that mostly contain C and O atoms besides other elements. In the material extracted from the zone of swollen grains of the blend with NP, there are CSMs in the form of nanotubes and rolls containing mostly C, Si, Cl, and Al atoms. It is suggested that CSM is formed in swollen grains as a result of condensation from the gas phase. CSM can catalyze reactions taking place during coal pyrolysis. The results suggest that addition of PR to coal charge can have a practical application in coke-making.