Abstract
The decomposition rate of non-covalent bondings and the extent of the crosslinking reaction during the pyrolysis of coal were estimated through the methanol vapor swelling of the chars prepared under different conditions. TG, DSC, and TMA were utilized to measure the weight, volume and enthalpy changes during the swelling. Gaseous products during the pyrolysis were also measured. From these measurements the moles of methanol utilized to break the non-covalent bondings (n_<NC,f>) were estimated. It was clarified that n_<NC,f> well represent the extent of crosslinking. Furthermore, the effect of heating rate on the pyrolysis behavior was examined from the viewpoint of the decomposition of non-covalent bondings.
