Mechanical aspects of ceramic membrane materials

Interest in ceramic transport membrane materials has increased significantly leading also to questions with respect to mechanical reliability and robustness, hence, requiring knowledge of the mechanical properties. The current review focuses on the mechanical properties of such ceramics, emphasizing in particular relationships between mechanical properties, non-elastic effects, phase changes and materials' stability. Room and elevated temperature application is considered with a main emphasis on elastic and creep deformation as well as fracture. Consideration is given to dense membranes as well as porous substrate materials for advanced asymmetric concepts. Properties are summarized for selected oxygen and proton conductors. Furthermore, mechanical properties of some selected porous ceramic and metallic substrate materials are given. In addition to the failure probability associated with the Weibull distribution of fracture stresses, creep rupture of dense materials and enhanced creep deformation of porous materials are aspects that need special consideration in the application of these materials in gas separation systems.