Transformation of the molecular and supramolecular structure of ozokerite under thermal effect

The transformation of the molecular and supramolecular structure under the thermal effect of ozokerites from the Yarega, Russia; the Borislav, Ukraine; and the Shorsu, Uzbekistan deposits was studied. The elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermal and X-ray diffraction analyses, gas-liquid and pyrolytic chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrosopy, and scanning electron and atomic force microscopy were used. Heating up to 500°C results, first of all, in a decrease in the relative amounts of normal paraffins. Significant transformations at the supramolecular level consist in the enlargement of previously existing structural elements and the formation of new supramolecular units.