Project
Fe-rich Hydraulic Binders from Bauxite Residue
In the present work the target is synthesizing Fe-rich cement and calcium sulfoaluminate cements using bauxite residue (BR) as raw material. In previous research BR has been used in binders comprising only 1 to 5 wt%. Compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), these binders have lower embodied energy as BR replaces part of the energy-intensive clinker.
The target of this research is to produce cement with a higher percentage of BR (up to 40wt%) and maximize the energy savings from the final product. To achieve this, BR will be fully characterized and the presence of Fe and other minor elements (Na, Ti) which can affect the hydration process will be evaluated. After developing new binder formulations to achieve the uptake of high Fe levels from BR, mortars will be produced and tested for strength and durability. The radiological properties of the new binder will also be investigated.