Early microscopic examination of coals and coal macerals began with the use of transmitted and then reflected light microscopy. These methods were limited by the resolution and optical quality of the microscopes used. Improved microscope technology and the development of oil immersion techniques led to advancements in coal petrology. Introduction of the atomic force microscope (AFM) has led to higher resolution (angstrom and nanometers scale) imaging of various inorganic and organic surfaces with ability to quantitatively measure surface features and forces, but the use of AFM for measuring coal surfaces has been limited by a lack of a method using AFM to identify individual macerals and precisely measure their surface properties through the use of various AFM modes and analysis. This method has the potential to yield useful information about the physical properties of coal macerals and the intentional oxidation of individual macerals to enhance either optical properties or surface porosity.
Ketersediaan
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Pusat Sumber Daya Mineral, Batubara dan Panas Bumi - Jln. Soekarno Hatta No. 444, Bandung, Jawa Barat
PMB 050 HOW i-v63/2005