Pore and Efflorescence Characteristics of Alkali Activated Slag-Red Mud Cement Mortar depending on Red Mud Content

Abstract

Red mud is an inorganic by-product obtained from the mineral processing of alumina from Bauxite ores. A highly alkali inorganic waste product with a pH level over 11, red mud in its original state negatively impacts the ecosystem, so appropriate treatment is necessary. The development of alkali activated slag-red mud cement can be a representative study aimed at recycling the strong alkali of the red mud as a construction material. However, Alkali-activated binders that use sodium activators have been reported to be more vulnerable to efflorescence. Therefore, in this study, the compressive strength, pore characteristics, water absorption, elution characteristics, and efflorescence properties of alkali-activated slag cement mortar were assessed according to their red mud substitution ratio.