Study of the effect of red mud addition on the corrosion parameters of reinforced concrete by electrochemical methods.

Resumo

Red mud, the main waste generated in aluminum and alumina production from bauxite ore by the Bayer process, is considered “hazardous” due to its high pH. The high pH also provides greater protection of rebars, which is reflected in the low corrosion potential and high electrical resistivity (filler effect) of concrete. The corrosion potential was monitored by electrochemical measurements and the electrical resistivity was evaluated using sensors embedded in concrete test specimens. The results showed that the addition of red mud is beneficial to concrete, reducing its corrosion potential and increasing its electrical resistivity. Red mud proved to be a promising additive for concrete to inhibit the corrosion process.