A sorbent composition for enhanced baghouse function is described. The composition may include a sorbent such as powder activated carbon as well as an additive that is a heat moderator or a permeability agent. The heat moderator may act as a heat sink or barrier. Heat moderators may include in non-limiting examples phyllosilicates, cyclosilicates, or nesosilicates that may include, montmorillonite, bentonite, halloysite, aluminum silicates, muscovite, illite, kaolin, andalusite, kyanite, sillimanite, metakaolin, mullite, polymers, such as chitosan, and/or clays, either natural or synthetic (e.g., montmorillonite), or polyethylenimine. Permeability may be affected by mixing sorbents of lower D50 with sorbents of higher D50 in various ratios, or addition of a permeability agent such as a phyllosilicate, perlite, silica, diatomaceous earth. Further, a permeability agent such as a fluoropolymer may be coated onto or admixed with the sorbent. Diatomaceous earth, perlites, or silicates may also increase permeability. The compositions are particularly useful in flue gas treatment systems with baghouse separation units in that they have reduced combustibility and increased permeability properties.