Fabrication of Tubular Al2O3 Membrane Using Agar Al2O3 Mixtures and Glass-Tube Molds

Abstract

In this research, the effect of kaolin addition on the creation of pore size in the ceramic membrane support layer and understanding the mechanism of pore formation was investigated using kaolin particles at the amounts of different kaolin from 0-12 wt% (denoted as K0, K4, K5, and K12) combined with Al2O3-agar gelcasting mixture. The alumina slurry, clay, and agar solution were all made separately in the first stage. The mixture was then poured into the glass mold, where it formed into a tubular-shaped gel as the temperature decreased. The gel tube was then taken out of the mold after cooling up for 10 min. It was then submerged in acetone for 50 h. The results of based on the analysis of rheological and viscous behavior, resulting in a confirmed forming change of the state in the temperature range ~42-60 °C. All the membrane support tubes were formed of the mullite phase mainly, which was altered by the inclusion of kaolin particles and contained tiny amounts of quartz and cristobalite. Additionally, to having an impact adding kaolin can result in a larger pore distribution. When consolidated, gab had a pore size distribution that ranged from 0.03-0.2 μm. Moreover, the membrane ducts were under control within the porosity ratio and the bulk density was 34-46% and 2.0 to 2.4 g/cm3, and the resulting flexural green strength was between from 55 to 90 MPa. Furthermore, the flexural strength increased by 2 times with after strength between 629 and 4264 MPa under the specified conditions of sintering at 1350 °C and the water permeability was 40, 73, 1,280, and 12,987 L/m2.h, respectively. Thus, the membranes support K0, K4, K8, and K12 can be later used for the fabrication of asymmetric support membranes. In this, work is underway to deposit ultrafiltration membranes as well as support low-cost and environmentally friendly materials produced from kaolin. Thus, the membranes support K8 membrane supports can be used later for the production of asymmetrical support membranes. It depends on factors such as kaolin content, forming temperature, pore size, mechanical strength and water permeability performance. This work is underway to deposit ultrafiltration membranes as well as support low-cost and environmentally friendly materials produced from kaolin.