Lignin as both fuel and fusing binder in briquetted anthracite fines for foundry coke substitute

► Lignin is used as a high temp pyrolytic binder for anthracite fines to make bricks. ► These anthracite bricks can serve as a substitute for conventional foundry coke. ► Brick post pyrolysis unconfined compressive strength (UCS) indicates performance. ► After 900 °C pyrolysis, bricks with 5 wt.% lignin achieved over 2000 kPa UCS. ► Hardwood lignin provided almost double the UCS vs. softwood lignin in the bricks.