Abstract:
A ceramic nano porous membrane of pure Al2O3 (with dimensions 2.54 cm diameter and
0.2 cm thickness) has been prepared via hydraulic pressing and subsequent sintering.
Numerous samples prepared under different sintering conditions have undergone
characterization via hardness testing using Micro Vickers hardness test, compression
testing using Shimadzu Testing machine and pore size analysis through SEM; after
balancing mechanical properties with porous open networks, an optimized sinter cycle
of 1250°C with a soaking time of 15 hours has been suggested. Additionally, a lab-scale
filtration apparatus has been fabricated for experimental testing of the sintered Al2O3
samples to simulate the process at lab scale while maintaining 5–8 bars of pressure. The
filtration apparatus and filter can be optimized further for industrial usage and a
simulated process flow has been proposed.
