Abstract
Performances of two common types of red mud, Bayer red mud and Sintering red mud, were investigated in this research. Their compositions, mechanical properties and microstructure characterization were measured through XRD, TG and SEM analysis. Their shear strength, particle size, density and hydraulic characteristics also had been performed. Huge differences between the basic mineral types of these two kinds of red mud also can be found. The comparison of compositions shows that CaCO3 content in Sintering red mud is higher, Bayer red mud has more hazardous elements such as As, Pb and Hg and both have a high concentration of radioactivity. The micro particle of Bayer red mud is finer and more disperse, but the Sintering red mud has higher shear strength. Combining the TG and hydraulic characteristics analysis, it can be shown that Bayer red mud has higher value of water content and Sintering red mud has higher hydraulic conductivity. The paper then illustrates that Sintering red mud can become the main filling material of supporting structure of red mud stocking yard. Bayer red mud has a high reuse value and also can be used as a mixing material of masonry mortar.
Highlights
Red mud is the industrial waste generated during the production of alumina
The characteristics of Sintering red mud and Bayer red mud have been measured through several routine analysis methods in the field of materials science and engineering such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, TG, shear strength testing, particle size measurement and hydrodynamic characteristics testing
According to the study of Burke et al [24], the influence of hazardous elements and radioactivity in red mud should be avoided when applying the red mud in the production of building material
Summary
Red mud is the industrial waste generated during the production of alumina. According to the grade of raw material bauxite and the production process of alumina, red mud can be divided into Bayer red mud and Sintering red mud [1,2]. Studies on the physical and chemical properties and comprehensive utilization of red mud have become a focus of related materials within science and engineering fields [9,10,11,12,13]. The different morphology and structure of Bayer and Sintering red mud determine the specific physical and chemical properties of red mud [16,17,18]. It is important to distinguish the main characteristics such as chemical properties, mechanical performances, particle, morphology and structure for the comprehensive utilization of red mud [19]. The characteristics of Sintering red mud and Bayer red mud have been measured through several routine analysis methods in the field of materials science and engineering such as XRD, SEM, TG, shear strength testing, particle size measurement and hydrodynamic characteristics testing.
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