Strength effect of alkali activated red mud slag cement in ambient condition

Abstract

The excess demand for cement in construction area is relevant compatible to maxima utilization of industrial solid waste as an alternation of binding material. Since the disposal of red mud turns to major environmental issue for its alkaline nature, so this research was to evaluate the viability of red mud as a cementitious material. This type of material was developed by the addition of granulated slag and red mud with three different proportion i.e. 30/70, 50/50, and 70/30. Those solid compositions were activated with the low concentration of the alkali solution prepared by sodium hydroxide pellet and sodium silicate powder varying as mole proportion of SiO 2 -Na 2 O from 0 to 1.5 mol. Best compressive strength values were obtained by ARSC 50 containing 50% slag and 50% red mud, but activated by SN 1.5 with the value 90.1 MPa after 60 days of curing age in ambient condition. Hydration characteristics of ARSC 50 were observed by XRD, SEM. Ettringite and amorphous C-S-H gel are the prime factors of strength development of ARSC. This paper provides a major solution of utilization of red mud and preservation of energy and natural sources.