Reducing the radiation dose of red mud to environmentally acceptable levels as an example of novel ceramic materials

Abstract

Novel ceramic materials with low radiation levels were produced by a normal pressure sintering process using the main ingredients of red mud and barium carbonate. The properties of the ceramic samples were investigated by measurement of radiation detection, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that adding barium carbonate to the raw materials and then calcining them to ceramics can form glass phases and extend the sintering temperature range. The radioactivity levels of the ceramic materials can be reduced to acceptable levels for the environment, and the materials are suitable for building, paving and construction applications, etc., creating no new residues.