An in-depth exploration of the performance and influence of rapid dewatering filter aid for red mud slurry

• PFS outperforms CaCl2, SS, and PC as a filter aid for red mud slurry at 10 g/L dosage, achieving superior filtration rate and cake moisture reduction. • Combining 5 g/L steel slag and 5 g/L Portland cement reduces filtration time by 58.52% (to 205.17 s) compared to untreated red mud, offering a cost-effective alternative. • The study provides a data foundation for optimizing rapid dewatering of red mud, addressing environmental and operational challenges in alumina production. • Using industrial by-products (SS and PC) as filter aids presents broad application prospects for sustainable red mud management.