A Comprehensive Review of Characterization Methods for Metallurgical Coke Structures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgy

Background:

• Coke structure significantly impacts its reactivity and strength, crucial for blast furnace operations.
• A comprehensive understanding of coke's structural attributes is essential for optimizing its industrial application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and consolidate current characterization methods for coke's chemical, physical, and optical structures.
• To discuss the research status of coke structure analysis.
• To propose a framework for constructing a coke molecular structural model for performance prediction.

Main Methods:

• Chemical structure analysis using elemental analysis, FTIR, Raman, XPS, and 13C NMR.
• Physical structure characterization via imaging, X-ray CT, mercury intrusion, nitrogen adsorption, XRD, and HRTEM.
• Optical texture assessment using polarizing microscopy.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of diverse analytical techniques applicable to coke structure.
• Identification of established methods for evaluating chemical, physical, and optical properties of coke.
• Foundation laid for developing predictive coke molecular structural models.

Conclusions:

• Characterization of coke structure involves multiple advanced techniques.
• A molecular structural model can be constructed based on these characterizations.
• Such models enable simulation and prediction of coke performance, facilitating optimization.