Thermoplasticity and coke strength of individual coals and coal blends were improved by addition of coal extracts. Thus, this process caused the coals to bind better. Additionally, the strength of coke increased after the addition of 0-10 wt% of extracts from various caking coals. This result fully demonstrates that the extracts are a useful binder for coals. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.