Preparation of three-dimensionally linked pore-like porous atomized ceramics with high oil and water absorption rates

Abstract

Ceramic atomization cores are a new application of porous ceramics; however, the challenging regulation of the pore structures of porous ceramics has limited their application. To improve the low liquid absorption rates and low liquid storage capacity of porous ceramics in the field of atomization, this study used three substances, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), starch, and diatomaceous earth, to produce porous ceramics with a three-dimensional interconnected triple-porous structure by sacrificial templating. In the porous ceramics, large pores resulting from PMMA increase liquid storing capacity, medium pores resulting from the starch facilitate the transport of liquid, and small pores resulting from diatomaceous earth enhance capillary action, significantly increasing the rate of liquid absorption. By varying the PMMA contents and type of starch in the preform, water and oil storage capacities of up to 123% and 143%, respectively, can be achieved. We found that an optimized porous ceramic with dimensions of 15 mm × 15 mm × 15 mm absorbs water rapidly (reaching saturation in only 1.67 s), demonstrates good solid–liquid properties and shape stability, and is recyclable (requires drying before reuse). The proposed porous ceramics have promising atomization core and oil–water separation applications.