Nanochemo-mechanical signature of organic-rich shales: a coupled indentation–EDX analysis

摘要: The organic–inorganic nature of organic-rich source rocks poses several challenges for the development functional relations that link mechanical properties with geochemical composition. With this focus in mind, we herein propose a method enables chemo-mechanical characterization highly heterogeneous rock at micron and submicron length scale through statistical analysis large array energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) data coupled nanoindentation data. ability to include elemental composition indentation probe via EDX is shown provide means identify pure material phases, mixture interfaces between different phases. Employed over array, clustering set provides access fundamental building blocks clay-dominated rocks. versatility approach illustrated application number origin, chemical composition, organic content. We find identified exhibit unique scaling relation stiffness hardness. This suggests shale can be reduced their elementary constituents, implications predictive such as intimate interplay clay-packing, maturity, porous clay/organic phase.