In order to study the slagging properties of coal, new programs have been written for the computer-controlled SEM so that quantitative analysis of coal particles can be done automatically and quickly. The ZAF correction program was modified so that Al, Si, S, Ca, and Fe are analyzed directly and the program assumes the balance of the coal particle is carbon. Using this technique approximately 4000 coal particles have been analyzed. The elemental compositions were converted to their respective oxides, and sulfur in excess of the organic sulfur has been converted to pyrite. These particles have been further grouped into five categories based on fouling characteristics.