The present work investigated various binders to assist the fly ash particles' coagulation within the intermediate sintering temperature zone. In order to find the appropriate binding agents for fly ash pelletization, some common materials were examined with focus on the compressive strength. The main experimental variables were heat treatment temperature and the binder/fly ash proportions. As a result of the close investigation, alkali and acidic materials such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and phosphoric acid were found quite acceptable based on the strength and cost effectiveness. A few organic materials also acted as desirable binders, but they revealed a few critical limitations when used in aqueous solution and at hot fluid environment. Inorganic binders, such as cement and lime, showed excellent cost effectiveness, but seemed to be disadvantageous for the high temperature process. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.