PRELIMINARY SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF ORGANIC MATERIAL IN THE DEVONIAN EASTERN GAS SHALE.

A scanning electron microscope study on eastern Devonian gas gearing shales was conducted to investigate thermal and chemical effects on the organic distribution and changes within the matrix. Shale samples from Perry County, Kentucky, were examined by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and then subjected to solven extraction and pyrolysis at 300 degree C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Changes in the shale as a result of these treatments were analyzed by use of an SEM. The SEM method, together with chemical and thermal treatment, is potentially useful for determining the distribution of the kerogen and bitumen within the shale.