The Effect of the Red Mud on Polymer Crystallization and the Interaction between the Polymer-Filler

Abstract

In this study, the use of industrial waste red mud was investigated as a filler/reinforcement material in composite material production. Polypropylene (PP) was chosen as a matrix material and used with the red-mud with appropriate combinations. A variety of physical and thermal tests were performed on the resultant composites. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis have been carried out and the relationships between the red-mud content, particle size, and properties were examined. The results showed that the crystal-orientation rate and reduced melting enthalpy increased by increasing red-mud volume but melting temperature was not so affected by the increase of red-mud.

Keywords:

• DSC
• Polypropylene
• Red mud
• XRD

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to thank Prof. Frank R. Sale from the University of Manchester, Dean of Materials Science Center/UMIST for arranging experimental studies in Dept. of Polymer Sci. and Eng.