As massive amount of solid residue is produced from plasma pyrolysis of coal, reasonable use of such residue is significant in protecting environment and improving economic performance. This work is focusing on the fundamental research of the characteristics of coal-water slurry (CWS) prepared from the solid residue of plasma pyrolysis of coal. The effect of particle size, solid concentration, pH and temperature on the rheological properties of CWS is investigated. Shear-thinning behavior of suspension has been observed depending on component content and operating conditions. Static stability is also investigated by sedimentation test. A more suitable cubic model for expressing the relation between viscosity and temperature is proposed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.