Role of bauxite residue as a binding material and its effect on engineering properties of cementitious Composites: A review

Bauxite residue, also known as red mud, is an abundant by-product produced during the alumina production process from bauxite ore. As the demand for eco-friendly construction materials grows, researchers are exploring the potential of bauxite residue as a binding agent in cementitious composites. This review article aims to analyze the role played by bauxite residue as a binding material and its impact on the engineering characteristics of cementitious composites. The article presents an overview of the characteristics, chemical composition, chal-lenges associated with the disposal of bauxite residue, and the importance of finding sustainable applications to minimize environmental impacts. It comprehensively discusses the impact of bauxite residue on the mechanical properties of cementitious composites and durability aspects including water absorption and porosity, sorptivity, chloride ion penetration resistance, sulphate attack, drying shrinkage, electrical resistivity, and corrosion resistance. The empirical findings indicate that the substitution of cement with BR at levels ranging from 10% to 20% yields substantial enhancements in the mechanical and durability characteristics of cementitious compos-ites. This article contributes to the growing body of research on sustainable construction materials. Its insights and findings serve as valuable references for future studies and investigations on leveraging bauxite residue in cementitious systems.