Red Mud Neutralization for Better Reutilization

Worldwide usage of aluminum is increasing annually due to urbanization, and with this information comes the question, what to do with the bauxite residue. The Bayer Process of aluminum production has been in use since its inception 120 years ago, however it produces a very dangerous and toxic byproduct red mud. Every ton of alumina that is produced through use of the Bayer Process creates three tons of red mud, which is then stored in extremely large volumes (millions of tons). The high alkalinity, toxicity, and pH all attribute to the dangerous aspects of red mud, and have made it an alarming threat to mankind and the environment. In this regard the main research goal was to establish Carbon Dioxide sequestration as an effective bauxite residue neutralization technique. Also, after neutralization, research was carried out and it was found that bricks, cements, and ceramics could be made or made stronger by the red mud. Extraction of metals from Red Mud was a possibility at all times, however efficiency was an issue. More over, the team has aimed to determine the efficacy of this method as a stabilizing agent, and to potentiate productive utilization of neutralized bauxite residue. Following the project outcomes, the team recommends the use of Carbon Dioxide sequestration for bauxite residue neutralization so that it can be further reused at a significantly reduced cost.https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/gps-posters/1100/thumbnail.jp