Journal of Materials Science

, Volume 27, Issue 3, pp 692–696 | Cite as

Assessment of strength development in Bayer-process residues

  • W. R. Pinnock
  • J. N. Gordon
Papers
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Abstract

The strength which develops naturally in dried-out lumps of Bayer-process residue (red mud) is investigated for possible use in building material. The ease with which this strength can be reproduced, and its resistance to wet and dry conditions, are assessed in practical-sized building blocks. The evidence suggests that with careful preparation the binding can be exploited to make blocks suitable for the construction of single-floor buildings. The origin of this strength is also investigated by using electron micrography, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of selected red mud aggregates. The strength is attributed to the presence of significant quantities of aluminous goethite in the mud. This poorly crystalline material (amorphous to X-rays) is believed to act as a binder by coating the very fine particles present in mud, imparting strength when it dries by providing a rigid bridge between particles.

Keywords

Polymer Building Block Thermogravimetric Analysis Fine Particle Electron Micrography 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Chapman & Hall 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • W. R. Pinnock
    • 1
  • J. N. Gordon
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of ChemistryUniversity of the West Indies Mona CampusKingstonJamaica
  2. 2.Building Research InstituteKingstonJamaica

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