Mineral composition, pore structure and mechanical properties of coal measure strata rocks: A case study of...

The microstructure and mechanical properties of coal measure rocks (CMR) are critical factors in the successful geological storage of CO₂. While previous research has predominantly focused on coal seams, the overlying and underlying bedrock strata are equally significant yet often overlooked. This study addresses this gap by selecting coal and adjacent strata from the Twelve Mine as representative samples. A comprehensive suite of analyses was conducted, including thin section identification, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), uniaxial compression, and acoustic emission tests. These analyses were used to determine the mineralogical composition and pore structure characteristics of the CMR, elucidate the mechanical failure mechanisms of different CMR types, and explore the relationships between rock strength, mineral composition, and pore characteristics. The findings indicate that the primary minerals in coal are clay minerals, while mudstone is composed predominantly of clay minerals and quartz, sandstone is rich in quartz and feldspar, and limestone contains significant amounts of calcite. The porosity of CMR varies between 1.73 % and 10.12 %, with 82.72 % of the pores being micro- to mesopores and the remaining 17.28 % being macropores. The pore structures exhibit fractal characteristics, with the fractal dimension of mesopores ranging from 2.581 to 2.902, and that of macropores from 2.968 to 2.997. Coal predominantly fails through a combination of tensile and shear failure mechanisms, mudstone and limestone through tensile failure, and sandstone through shear failure. Furthermore, the results suggest that rock strength is positively correlated with quartz content and negatively correlated with kaolinite content and porosity. In terms of their influence on coal rock strength, the factors in descending order of impact are kaolinite, quartz, calcite, microporosity, macroporosity, dolomite, and mesoporosity. Thus, while the mechanical properties of these rocks are primarily governed by their mineralogical composition, the pore structure also plays a significant role.