The heterogeneous char reaction processes of pulverized coal particle in a hot gas flow with temperature fluctuation are investigated. The instantaneous mass variations and char reaction rates of the particles with initial diameters of 10-50 mu m are calculated under different conditions. The gas temperature fluctuation has evident influences on the instantaneous char reaction processes of the pulverized coal particles. The instantaneous char reaction rates with the gas temperature fluctuation are different from those without the gas temperature fluctuation. The gas temperature fluctuation leads to more rapid char reaction and faster mass loss of the particles. The effects of fluctuation amplitude of the gas temperature and particle Reynolds number on the instantaneous char reaction processes are delineated. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.