Laboratory Capabilities
The Materials Analysis Laboratory (MAL) offers analytical services designed specifically to address engineering problems in the field of energy research. State-of-the-art analytical facilities, combined with an experienced team of researchers, provide a full range of advanced materials characterization and data interpretation. An ongoing commitment to technique development has produced several unique analytical procedures. These advanced capabilities have made the MAL a nationally recognized analytical research laboratory, especially in the areas of coal, coal by-products, and coal ash utilization products characterization.

Research Activities
The MAL is involved in several major research activities at the EERC. One major area of emphasis has been in characterizing the relationship between the mineral composition of coal and the resultant ash deposit. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques have been developed to identify the compositions of individual mineral grains in pulverized coal samples and determine how each grain is associated with organic coal matter and other mineral grains.

Computer-Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy (CCSEM)
Scanning Electron Microscope Morphology
Scanning Electron Microscope Point Count
Chemical Fractionation Analysis
X-Ray Diffraction
X-Ray Fluorescence

Laboratory Facilities

• SEM for imaging and photography at magnification from 50 to 100,000
• JEOL 733 microprobe
• SEM/microanalytical imaging systems
• Light-element energy-dispersive x-ray detector to provide the capability to quantify elements with atomic numbers greater than carbon
• Quantitative chemical analysis of phases present
• Point analysis down to 1 square micrometer in area
• Quantitative chemistries and mineralogies of complex, heterogeneous samples such as ash and ash deposits
• Particle recognition and mineralogical characterization, especially coal minerals
• Chemical fractionation analysis (determines the inorganic constituents present in coals based on their respective solubilities)
• XRD for the identification and semiquantitative analysis of crystalline phases present in coals and coal-related materials
• Philips X'PERT automated powder diffractometer
• PC-based analysis system with Minerals Data Incorporated search/match software
• Wavelength-dispersive XRF spectrometer for qualitative and quantitative determination of major, minor, and trace elements in coal and coal-related materials
• Rigaku R1X 2100 system
• Synthetic crystals to detect light elements down to and including carbon