Thermogravimetric study of the effect of a PVA oxygeninsulating barrier on the spontaneous combustio

Coal samples in the air for three months were characterized by Thermogravlmetnc Analysts(TGA).The effect of a PVA oxygen-insulating barrier on the spontaneous combustion of coal was examined.The moisture loss activation energy,oxidation activation energy and combustion activation energy were calculated by an integral method using the Coats-Redfen formula.The results show that the tendency for spontaneous combustion of three coal samples(judged by the activation energy)falls in the order:CYW>YJL>SW.The oxidation activation energy and combustion activation energy of coal protected by the PVA oxygen-insulating barrier increased.A significant increase in the combustion activation energy was noted,especially for the CYW coal where the increase was 28.53 kJ/mol.Hence,oxidation of the protected coal samples was more difficult.The PVA oxygen-insulating barrier helps to prevent spontaneous combustion of the coal.