Structural Characterization of Seydişehir Red Mud to Utilization in Roof Tile Manufacturing

Red mud (RM) is a waste material generated by the Bayer Process widely used to produce alumina from bauxite throughout the world. The amount of red mud generated depends largely on the type of ore used and the processing. Approximately, 35% to 40% per ton of bauxite treated using the Bayer Process ends up as red mud waste. Because of storing issues, the waste negatively affects the environment. To solve this problem, it is essential to investigate different uses for red mud waste. In this study at first describes the characterization of red mud by XRF, FT-IR, XRD, DTA-TG and SEM. In addition, studies were done to use of red mud for tile. Three different amount of red mud (2%, 4% and 6%) mixed with standard tile mix which used in industrial application at Gürallar tile factory. Prepared samples fired to 900°, 940°, 980° and 1020°. Compressive strength (kg/m3) of samples are measured to determine the most suitable red mud content for industrial tile production in accordance TSE EN 1304 standard. It was found that compressive strength values of fired samples increased with the increasing of RM content and firing temperature. Red mud content for industrial tile production in accordance TSE EN 1304 standard was found to be maximum 6%.