Effect of Particle Sizes on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Briquettes

The particle size of coal particles is an important factor affecting the physical and mechanical properties of coal. In this study, uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the effects of coal particle size on the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes and their impact mechanism using a rock mechanics test-150B servo system (RMT-150B). The results showed that the uniaxial compression strength, elastic modulus and deformation modulus of briquettes increase when particle size is decreased. The deformation characteristics of the briquettes directly prepared by raw tectonic coal were similar to those of coal specimens with a particle size of 0.18-0.25 mm. The cohesion and strength of coal specimens increased when particle size was decreased, and the plastic deformation capacity decreased when particle size was decreased, showing a strong correlation. The f briquette directly prepared by the raw tectonic coal had a strength between that of coal specimens with a particle size of 2-6 mm and those with a particle size of 0.18-0.25 mm. The mechanical properties of briquettes mainly depend on the meshing force between the coal particles. The smaller the particles, the greater the mechanical meshing force. The floating particles, generated in the voids between coal particles during the preparation process, are a significant factor affecting the plasticity characteristics. The research results may be used as a basic reference in the study of the mechanical properties of tectonic coal, gas migration and coal and gas outburst mechanisms.