Potential use of industrial waste-red mud in developing hybrid composites: A waste management approach

Waste reduction is one of the main aspects of cleaner production. Increasing red mud generation around the globe is creating a threat to the environment. Red mud has an attractive mineralogical composition which makes them ideal for the manufacture of composites. The current paper investigates the feasibility of utilizing red mud in the polymer matrix with coconut sheath (CS) fiber. Twelve distinct red mud composites were fabricated with silane-treated (AST), alkaline-treated (AT) and untreated (UT) CS reinforcement, as well with a differing weight percentage of red mud and investigated the mechanical properties and water and chemical resistance behaviour. AST-CS fiber composite reinforced by 20 wt% red mud displayed superior tensile, flexural and impact strength. Positive interaction of red mud with treated CS reduced the formation of voids. The chemical and water resistance test revealed the composites' ability to withstand water and chemical attack. The effective production of polymer composites using red mud simultaneously mitigates red mud storage and pollution issues, thereby promoting a sustainable environment and an economic solution for the disposal of red mud. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.