Cordierite containing ceramic membranes from smectetic clay using natural organic wastes as pore-forming agents

• Published in: Journal of Asian Ceramic Societies Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 199 - 208
• Main Authors: Misrar, W., Loutou, M., Saadi, L., Mansori, M., Waqif, M., Favotto, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2017; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Ceramic membrane; Cordierite; Engineering Sciences; Filtration; Micro and nanotechnologies; Microelectronics; Microstructure; Modeling; Ceramic membrane; Cordierite; Filtration; Microstructure; Modeling
• ISSN: 2187-0764; 2187-0764
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jascer.2017.04.007

•Thermal behavior of the used raw clay mixed with the pore forming agents (organic wastes).•The weight of the considered factors on the physical properties was evaluated using experimental design.•Physico-chemical characteristics of elaborated membranes were described. Cordierite ceramic membranes were manufactured from natural clay, oxides and organic wastes as pore forming agents. Mixtures aforementioned materials with the pore-forming agents (up to 10wt.%) were investigated in the range 1000–1200°C using thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry and filtration tests. Physical properties (density, water absorption and bending strength) were correlated to the processing factors (pore-forming agent addition, firing temperature and soaking time). The results showed that cordierite together with spinel, diopside and clinoenstatite neoformed. SEM analysis revealed heterogeneous aspects. The results of the response surface methodology showed that the variations of physical properties versus processing parameters were well described by the used polynomial model. The addition of pore forming agent and temperature were the most influential factors. Filtration tests were performed on the best performing sample. The results allowed to testify that these membranes could be used in waste water treatment.