Valorization of Titanium Dioxide Industry Byproducts in Sustainable Construction Materials

The titanium dioxide production process generates large volumes of solid residues, notably ilmenite mud, red gypsum mud and titanium gypsum, which pose environmental and logistical challenges. Recent advances have shown that these byproducts can be transformed into valuable construction materials, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing reliance on virgin resources. Ilmenite mud exhibits pozzolanic properties, enabling partial replacement of Portland cement and imparting durable hydration products. Red gypsum mud, rich in iron and calcium sulphates, can be incorporated at high proportions into ceramic bodies to yield structurally sound tiles and bricks. Titanium gypsum, composed primarily of calcium sulphate, serves as a feedstock for alkali-activated cold bonding to produce lightweight aggregates with controlled strength and durability. These valorisation routes not only mitigate waste disposal concerns but also deliver materials with enhanced mechanical performance, improved frost resistance and tailored microstructures. Integration of these innovations supports decarbonisation goals and offers scalable solutions across global industrial contexts.

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Valorization of Titanium Dioxide Industry Byproducts in Sustainable Construction Materials publication trend

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Technical terms

Ilmenite mud: Residual solid containing unreacted ilmenite and sulphate from TiO₂ production.

Red gypsum mud: Iron- and titanium-rich calcium sulphate waste produced in the sulphate route of TiO₂ pigment manufacture.

Titanium gypsum: Calcium sulphate–dominated byproduct formed during acid leaching of ore in TiO₂ synthesis.

Pozzolanic activity: Capacity of siliceous or aluminous materials to react with calcium hydroxide in water, forming cementitious products.

Alkali-activated cold bonding: Ambient-temperature process in which alkaline activators induce binding of mineral wastes into hardened aggregates.

References

1. From high-volume industrial waste to new ceramic material: The case of red gypsum muds in the TiO2 industry. Ceramics International (2023).
2. Preparation and characterization of titanium gypsum artificial aggregate. Science and Engineering of Composite Materials (2024).
3. Investigation on Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Silt Improved by Titanium Gypsum-Based Stabilizer. Materials (2022).
4. The influence of ilmenite mud waste on the hydration process of Portland cement. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2016).
5. Comparison of pozzolanic activity of ilmenite MUD waste to other pozzolans used as an additive for concrete production. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2020).
6. Ilmenite Mud Waste as an Additive for Frost Resistance in Sustainable Concrete. Materials (2020).