APPLICATION OF HOT STAGE MICRO-FT-IR TO THE STUDY OF ORGANIC FUNCTIONAL-GROUP CHANGES DURING PYROLYSIS

A modified Leitz hot stage fitted to a Spectra-Tech microscope and int erfaced with a Nicolet 20-SXC Fourier transform infrared (FT-i.r.) ana lyser was used to collect infrared (i.r.) spectra from a series of hea t treated coal or kerogen samples. Hot stage modifications included in stallation of an i.r. transparent ZnSe cover disc and routing of a mic rothermocouple to the interior of a 50 mul platinum sample pan. Spectr a were collected in the reflected light mode prior to and then during or after heat treatment. This provided a means to monitor organic func tional group changes or depletion resulting from heat treatment. Obsta cles encountered and their solutions are discussed.