Fabrication and properties of mullite-bonded porous SiC membrane supports using bauxite as aluminum source

Mullite-bonded porous SiC membrane supports were fabricated at 1350–1500 °C in air from bauxite and graphite. The phase composition, open porosity, microstructure and mechanical strength as well as pore size distribution of membrane supports were systematically investigated. Due to the enhancement of necks at the contacting points growth by the addition of bauxite (30 wt%), a high three-point flexural strength of 85.2 MPa was achieved at an open porosity of 31.4%. Moreover, when 20 wt% C was added to the above composition, the strength of 36.6 MPa was achieved at an open porosity of 47.8%.