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.