Effect of material parameters on the mechanical properties of chemically treated red mud HDPE composites

Abstract

The use of unreinforced polymer composites is growing rapidly in the construction industry, partly to address concerns relating to cost and waste, and partly to provide substitute materials that will resist degradation and attacks by rodents and insects. Hence, this study explores the possibility of combining polymer with locally available red mud. Red mud/polymer composites were prepared using an injection moulding machine. The production of the specimens was undertaken based on red mud/polymer mass ratio, particle size, and alkalinity. The results of the tensile tests showed increases in both the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, with increasing red mud loading up to 10 wt.% red mud content. The maximum tensile strength obtained corresponds to specimens containing smaller particle sizes and higher pH. The results suggest that red mud/ polymer composites have the potential to be used in the construction industry.