Fabrication of ball clay based low-cost ceramic membrane supports and their characterization for microfiltration application

Abstract

In this study, the uniaxial pressing method was employed to fabricate low-cost ceramic membrane supports using inexpensive clays for microfiltration applications. The primary precursors used to make different membrane supports (S1–S3) were Ball clay and China clay. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size distribution (PSD), contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed in addition to water flux, porosity, water permeability, and average pore size measurements to characterize the membrane. SEM analysis revealed that the surface morphology of the membrane supports varies significantly depending on the raw material composition. The contact angle analysis of the supports revealed that they are hydrophilic, which is suitable for microfiltration applications. The water permeability, average pore size, and porosity of the membrane supports (S1–S3) were 4.31 × 10−6 – 2.77 × 10−6 m3/m2s kPa, 1.18–0.31 μm, 44–41%, respectively. Furthermore, the membranes' high pH and chlorine resistance show their suitability for use in harsh chemical cleaning. The production cost of membranes based on raw materials, pressing, and sintering was estimated to be Rs.1319/m2 ($17.07), Rs. 978/m2 ($12.66) and Rs. 924/m2 ($11.96) for the supports S1, S2, and S3, respectively. Thus, membrane supports with low-cost clay materials are now suggested for microfiltration applications.