Non-crystalline/Amorphous Forms: Coke

Coke is a grey, hard, and porous fuel with a high carbon content. It is a solid residue obtained by heating certain types of bituminous coal to high temperatures in the absence of air, removing most of the volatile components. The resulting material is primarily carbon, with small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, and oxygen. It also contains mineral matter from the original coal, which undergoes chemical changes during the coking process.

• The term "coke" typically refers to the product made from low-ash, low-sulphur bituminous coal through a process known as coking.
• A similar product, petroleum coke (pet coke), is obtained from crude oil in petroleum refineries.
• Coke can also form naturally through geological processes and is a residue of destructive distillation.
• It is widely used in industrial processes, particularly in smelting iron ore, and as a fuel in stoves and forges.

Coke

1. Coke is used as a domestic fuel for heating and cooking due to its high carbon content.
2. It serves as a reducing agent in metallurgical processes, especially in the extraction of iron from iron ore.
3. Coke is used to produce gaseous fuels like water gas (CO + H₂) and producer gas (CO + H₂ + CO₂ + N₂).
4. It is a key ingredient in the steel-making process, acting as both a fuel and a chemical reducing agent.
5. Coke is used in the production of carbon electrodes for industrial applications.
6. It is utilised in chemical industries as a source of carbon for various reactions.
7. Coke is used in the manufacturing of calcium carbide and silicon carbide.
8. It is employed in gasification processes to produce synthetic fuels and chemicals.
9. Coke is used in foundries to heat and melt metals.
10. It is also used as a fuel in blast furnaces and cupola furnaces in industrial operations.