EFFECT OF ZETA-POTENTIAL ON THE STRENGTH OF COMPACTED COAL LOGS

Coal can he compacted into solid cylinders called ''coal logs'' to fac ilitate handling and transportation. It is hypothesized and proved exp erimentally herein that by altering the zeta potential of coal to achi eve the isoelectric point, the strength and abrasion resistance of com pacted coal logs can be significantly improved. Experimental data prov iding the evidence are reported herein. It is theorized that by zeroin g the zeta potential of the coal, the charges on coal particles are ne utralized, and the electrostatic repelling force between coal particle s containing like charges is eliminated. This brings the particles clo ser together with less compaction pressure and force. This method to i mprove coal. agglomerate strength may be applicable to briquetting and pelletizing of fine particles of materials wetted by water.