Research Projects

Objective: To prepare a value-added material to the refractory applications utilizing physico-chemical methods by reducing the Fe2O3 & TiO2 content followed by high temperature studies, which find applications in the ceramic/refractory industries.

Summary: Partially Laterised Khondalite (PLK)/Partially Kaolinised Khondalite (PKK) and aluminous laterite rocks are the waste/overburden materials generated as a result of mining of bauxite. The major discoloring elemental impurities in PLK/PKK are titanium oxide and iron oxides, which render its unacceptability as refractory material. The impurities in PLK/PKK and aluminous laterite rocks if removed substantially using appropriate techniques can be a substitute for Al-refractory materials. There is very little amount of research work carried out on the bauxite mining waste which is mostly on the academic interest and also previous works have not comprehensively considered to treat the bauxite mining waste for refractory industry applications. Therefore, it is sensible to utilize the bauxite mining waste by utilizing advanced process/technology in order to realize the full potential and complete utilization of the bauxite mining waste like PLK/PKK and aluminous laterite rocks. The main aim of the present work is to prepare a value-added material to the refractory applications utilizing physico-chemical methods by reducing the Fe2O3 & TiO2 content followed by high temperature studies, which find applications in the ceramic/refractory industries. If converted successfully, then the materials developed can be an import substitution.