Rusal & Tiocomposite together to start test production of sulphur polymer concrete using red mud

The Russian aluminium giant Rusal has signed a memorandum of intent with Tiocomposite to start test production of sulphur polymer concrete using red mud in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Further details of the location of the project and its economic and organizational conditions are expected to be agreed upon this year.

Usually, around 1.56 tonnes of red mud are generated while processing 2.87 tonnes of bauxite into 1 tonne of commercial alumina. With this project, the problem of red mud disposal will be solved, as the alumina production waste will be used as filler in sulphur polymer concrete.

In the year 2017, Rusal had started the initial phase of research & development, in a bid to explore different uses of red mud for producing commercial products.

Sulphur concrete production is a specialty of Tiocomposite. It is an innovative construction material that comes with a myriad of advantageous features including high strength, corrosion resistance, low water absorption, permeability, fast strength generation, and low cost. It is used to produce pavement slabs, kerb stones, drain channel trays, gravel, and other materials necessary for the implementation of infrastructural projects.

This planned pilot production is expected to process up to 100,000 tonnes of dehydrated red mud each year. The output of commercial concrete will be around 200,000 tonnes. Following the pilot stage, more information will come with respect to the parameters of the process and the characteristics of the materials and products to be produced. Test batches of the products will be conducted at construction facilities, and then the decision will be taken whether the project should be rolled out or not.