Effect of petroleum (pet) coke addition on the density and thermal conductivity of cement pastes and mortars

► A beneficial reuse application for problematic high S pet coke is reported. ► Pet coke lowers thermal conductivity, density and strength of cementitious materials. ► This is due to the intrinsic properties and air entraining effects of pet coke. ► Fine-grained pet coke had greatest effects on thermal conductivity at low additions. ► Thermal conductivities of materials as low as 0.12 W/mK were obtained.